Comment invited on dog exercise areas

4 September 2018

Dogs and their owners are happier and healthier when they exercise regularly, but uncontrolled dogs can also be a nuisance and take away the enjoyment of other people using City reserves and open space.

To help ensure both dog owners and other community members can enjoy themselves when out for a walk, the City of Albany is reviewing its dog exercise areas and, as part of the process, wants to hear from you.

Council is considering the adoption of the draft Dog Exercise, Prohibited and Rural Leashing Areas Policy, which aims to guide the community about dog ownership responsibilities associated with exercising dogs.

Manger of City Reserves Jacqui Freeman said the City is now seeking feedback from the community before finalising the policy.

“We are proposing to increase the number of areas where the public can exercise their dogs off lead by designating a number of parks and reserves as Dog Exercise Areas,” she said.

“The proposed exercise areas are spread out across the city to make sure all dog owners have a place close to their home where they can exercise their dog.”

Under the proposed new draft policy, dog exercise areas are locations where dogs can exercise off lead but must still be under the control of their owner.

The draft policy also proposes prohibited areas such as playgrounds, and requires dogs to be restrained on a lead and under control at all times in all other areas within the City boundaries, including footpaths and tracks in reserves.

Community members interested in making comment can view the proposed policy and associated documents on the City’s website at http://www.albany.wa.gov.au/council/council/public-notices/ or collect a hard copy from the North Road offices.

Public comment is open until 28 September. Email feedback to City Reserves Officer Carl Beck at [email protected].