BALLARAT dog owners would have to keep their beloved canines on leads in all public spaces not designated “off leash”, under changes proposed by the council.
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A revision of public space orders would see designated dog “off lead” areas established to bring Ballarat in line with most neighbouring councils.
Ballarat City Council will consider the changes at tomorrow’s meeting.
It comes on the heels of a string of dog attacks in recent months, with the council sending out a warning to all dog owners in February to ensure they were not posing any danger to the public.
The council’s existing position is that all public areas are off leash apart from those specifically signed to be on lead.
But in a report to be considered by councillors, City Infrastructure staff said there was a correlation between the frequency of dog attacks and the community’s capacity to maintain effective control over their dogs, especially when in a public place.
The council consulted with the Ballarat Dog Obedience Club which supported the proposal as “a positive step to regulating the behaviour of animals in public places” and with potential to reduce adverse incidents that could lead to attacks.
Proposed dog off leash areas
North Ward
• Charles Edward Brown Reserve (north-west corner opposite Netball Centre), recommend to fence off the remaining east side to fully enclose;
• Pioneer Park Wendouree (north area)
• Cuthberts Road Reserve, Alfredton (south end)
Central Ward
• Victoria Park:
Area south of Mullock Heap between Cedar Avenue and Pine Avenue
Area north of soccer pitches 4 and 5 between Caretaker Avenue and Cedar Avenue
• Gregory Street Reserve, Soldiers Hill (recommend to have area along drain fenced accordingly)
• Black Hill Lookout Reserve (north corner).
South Ward
• Birdwood Park, Buninyong
• MR Power Reserve, Sebastopol
