Dog rules updated

Creating consistency and clarity in the rules has driven Council’s decision to amend the Dog Control Bylaw following public consultation on the matter.

At the Ordinary Council meeting on 21 November, Council approved the Dog Control Bylaw with amendments.

In total, six reserves had amendments made to their use regarding dogs:

• Knottingley Park and Arboretum is dog-friendly apart from the cricket pitch and children’s playground. Dogs need to be leashed in the campground.
• Boland Park and Seddon Square are completely dog-free.
• Dogs are allowed in Victoria Park except for the playground, sports courts, bowling green and velodrome. Dogs are required to be leashed in the campground.
• The Glenavy Recreation Reserve is dog-friendly apart from the pocket park and adventure play areas, which require dogs to be leashed.
• Dogs are prohibited in the St Andrews Recreation Reserve apart from the campground, where they are required to be leashed.

Of the 25 submissions received, more than half were supportive of the proposed change in every question that was consulted on.

During Council’s discussion, particular consideration was given to Seddon Square and Boland Park. The presence of dogs at the weekend market represented a significant factor in many of the submissions received. Council recognises the importance of promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment for all community members, including those with canine companions. The decision for these areas to function as dog restricted zones was made with the overall wellbeing and safety of park users in mind.

Concerns regarding hygiene, potential damage to sports facilities, and ensuring a secure environment for both athletes and spectators played a significant role in the decision to restrict dogs from the Victoria Park Velodrome and sports fields.

The definition of menacing dogs was also amended, bringing it in line with the Dog Control Act 1996. This allows Council discretion in relation to neutering dogs labelled menacing, rather than this being an automatic requirement under the previous bylaw. The animal management team can now consider factors such as age, demeanour, whether the dog’s behaviour has been learned and whether neutering will alter the behaviour.

You can view the amended bylaw here: Dog Control Bylaw