I am a local dog walker from Holsworthy NSW, and I see the daily toll that unexpected ordinance exercises take on our pets. Animals, accustomed to the serenity of our residential neighbourhood, are severely impacted - some to the point where they are terrified to leave their homes, while others hurt themselves in distress. One particular dog that I care for is now so traumatised by the loud noises from the army barracks that he refuses to leave his house altogether. Another persistently claws at his door whenever these unsettling noises arise, badly hurting his paws in the process.

Our local military, while providing an essential service to our country, needs to consider the impact of their operations on the local community - in particular, our pets. An estimated 23% of households in New South Wales have dogs [NSW Government Pet Ownership Statistics], highlighting how many individuals could be experiencing similar distress.

This is why we are requesting the army based at Holsworthy to issue a public notice before they carry out exercises that involve the use of ordinance. This minor adjustment would give pet owners and professionals like myself the opportunity to make necessary arrangements to help mitigate the anxiety episodes caused in pets by these exercises.

Help us protect our animal friends and maintain their well-being. Please sign this petition to make it a requirement for the army to give advanced notice to the local community of Holsworthy NSW before carrying out noisy exercises.