A PUSH in Pakenham for an offleash dog park has intensified with hundreds of canineloving residents signing a petition supporting the proposal.

Dog owners are lobbying for an area where their pets can run free, saying they need relief from regulations banning unrestrained dogs in public places.

More than 600 residents have signed a petition calling on Cardinia Shire Council to take a lead on the issue.

As more and more people – and their pets – move into the town, petitioners say there is an urgent need for an offleash area.

Pakenham resident Ed Kirby of the Cardinia Dog Group (CDG) said an offleash park would allow residents to exercise their dogs in a suitable and safe location.

“Dogs need an area to run around and just be dogs,” he said.

“The petition requests use of parkland that can be accessed daily and within reasonable walking distance.

“Exercising in leashfree areas facilitates socialisation for dogs.

“It is also recognised that dogs will benefit from regular exercise and positive stimulation,” Mr Kirby said.

“This will follow on to dogs being less stressed, better health and less likely to cause nuisances in the neighbourhood.”

The CDG was formed after the need for an offleash park was highlighted in the Gazette last year.

State regulations require all dog owners to keep dogs on a leash when outside their own property.

Owners of dogs left uncontrolled in public areas face hefty fines.

Mr Kirby said dog owners hoped to work with civic leaders and was happy to hear the council was already moving on the issue.

Cardinia manager of governance and communications Doug Evans said the council was investigating suitable locations.

The council had previously considered an offleash park some years ago and was conscious that demand had increased since then, he said.

Local laws officers were looking at the issue and would soon report back to the council, Mr Evans said.

It is possible an offleash park could be operating before the end of the year.

Mr Kirby said as many as one in four local households had a pet dog and they needed somewhere to exercise in a controlled environment.

Pakenham resident Lyndsey Hubball said she would strongly support an offleash park.

Ms Hubball breeds and shows dalmatians and said her three dogs would certainly be keen users.

“I would love to see it,” she said.