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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

New rules for Canberra’s dogs

Shane and wesley

SHANE Rattenbury (pictured with Wesley) has announced some changes to dog exercise area maps following community consultation last year.

“Last year feedback was sought on the ACT Government’s new dog exercise area maps to more clearly define where people can take their dogs, showing on and off leash areas as well as prohibited areas,” Shane said.

“Over 1,700 submissions were received which has taken some time to consider, as well as further on-the-ground investigation. Overall, people were supportive of the proposed changes and provided excellent insight into how their local areas are used.

“Given they were last updated in 2005, the new maps have also been revised to ensure greater consistency across Canberra especially given residential expansion in Gungahlin and Molonglo.”

Some of the general principles which have been consistently applied across Canberra include:

  • all paths and cycleways are dog on-leash areas to help improve the safety of walkers and cyclists;
  • all sporting grounds (including Hall showground) are conditional, meaning dogs are allowed to be off-leash when formal sport isn’t being played or a major event occurring;
  • playground equipment and barbeque areas are all dog prohibited areas due to public health and safety concerns; and,
  • major parks are all dog on-leash areas including Weston Park and Lennox Gardens.

“The revised maps aim to make it easier for dog owners to know where they can and can’t take their dog and the on/off leash provisions,” Shane said.

“Some specific changes have been made to Lennox Gardens, Weston Park in Yarralumla and Black Mountain Peninsula, which will change from dog prohibited to dog on-leash. This will be consistent with how dogs can be exercised at other major parks across Canberra.

“Following community feedback, the William Slim Drive pedestrian parkland in Lawson will change from on-leash to off-leash.

“We are also going to trial allowing dogs to be off-leash at Blaxland Park in Griffith from 6 pm to 7 am. This will be the first time a timeshare arrangement has been undertaken in the ACT and will be closely monitored by ACT Government rangers. The trial will be in place from Monday 11 January to Thursday 31 March 2016.

“Of particular contention were proposed changes for Mount Rogers and wetland areas in the inner north. During the consultation it was announced Mount Rogers would continue to be an off-leash area.

“For the wetland areas – Dickson and Lyneham wetlands and Flemington Road ponds – there is insufficient evidence to suggest off-leash dogs have a detrimental impact on birdlife in those areas. As such, the areas will remain off-leash and the government will continue to monitor the use of these sites.”

“Dog owners need to be mindful of their responsibilities, but all people using our shared paths and open spaces should be mindful of others, whether that’s slowing down on your bike when you see a dog ahead or keeping left on the footpath.

“Dogs need to be kept under control so they do not interfere with someone else’s enjoyment of public spaces. As a general rule, if people are ever in doubt they should keep their dog on a leash.

“Signage will also be erected at locations across Canberra, such as ovals, to help educate the community about how the areas can be used.

“Community feedback on the new dog exercise area maps has been invaluable. If people have any comments on the changes which have been made they can do so via timetotalk.act.gov.au by Thursday 31 March 2016. The website also lists the other sites which have changed.

“Canberra was recently recognised as the most dog friendly city in Australia due to our quality outdoor spaces for owners and their dogs to enjoy. As Canberra continues to develop and grow, it’s important that designated dog exercise areas are regularly reviewed to ensure the right balance for all members of the community is maintained.

“The ACT Government will continue assessing other recreation areas raised during last year’s consultation to determine if any further changes could be made in the near future.”

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One Response to New rules for Canberra’s dogs

Jo says: 25 December 2015 at 6:40 am

How about enforcing people pick up,and take with them their dog Doo that litters Canberra paths and public places. Can’t walk anywhere without stepping in the shit

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