FAQ

Under the Dog Act 1976 Section 31 (3A) a local government may, by absolute majority as defined in the Local Government Act 1995 section 1.4, specify a public place, or a class of public place, that is under the care, control or management of the local government to be a dog exercise area.

 (3B) A local government may, by absolute majority as defined in the Local Government Act 1995 section 1.4, specify a public place that is under the care, control or management of the local government to be a rural leashing area.

(3C) At least 28 days before specifying a place to be — (a) a place where dogs are prohibited at all times or at a time specified under subsection (2B); or (b) a dog exercise area under subsection (3A); or (c) a rural leashing area under subsection (3B), a local government must give local public notice as defined in the Local Government Act 1995 section 1.7 of its intention to so specify.

Except for one of the nominated areas (Edward Millan Reserve), the Town has kept the same dog exercise areas as passed by Council in 2000. These areas are evenly spread around the town, giving everyone the opportunity to exercise their dog/s off leash.

There are 19 dog exercise areas within the town.

The dog local law was the instrument to have dog exercise areas up until a review of the Dog Act was concluded in 2014.

The Town has 26 park/reserves that do not include a dog exercise area. This doesn’t include bushland, gardens and verges that are wide enough to accommodate a park setting.

Due to changes to the Dog Act in 2013, Local Governments can no long declare dog exercise areas in the Dog Local Law. Local Governments are now required to declare dog exercise areas by a resolution passed by Council. The Town is seeking public comment on the proposal to keep all the current dog exercise areas (as they currently are in the Dog Local Law) and add one other (Edward Millan).