DOG lovers can now let their pets run free.

Cardinia Shire Council last week loosened its leash on laws banning unrestrained dogs in public places.

Canine-loving residents have lobbied for more than a year to establish an off-leash dog park in Pakenham.

They now have a choice of locations after civic leaders agreed to allow dogs to be off the leash in several parks and reserves around Cardinia Shire.

A 12-month trial starting in August will see dogs – unless they are dangerous or menancing – able to run and play without a leash as long as their owners are no further than 50 metres away.

Dog owners must also abide by conditions requiring pet control, registration and litter disposal.

Pakenham resident Ed Kirby of the Cardinia Dog Group (CDG) welcomed the scheme, which will see off-leash areas set up at the Don Jackson reserve, Rotary Park and reserves in Simon Drive and Lilliput Lane.

Off-leash parks will also be established at Emerald, Officer, Kooweerup, Cockatoo, Bunyip, Garfield and Maryknoll.

Mr Kirby led the off-leash push with hundreds of dog owners signing a petition calling for pets to have a place to play.

“This is a great step forward,” Mr Kirby said.

“It’s terrific and I congratulate the council on taking the initiative.”

The CDG was formed after the need for an off-leash park was first 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 risk hefty fines.

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.

Cardina Shire Councillor Brett Owen said the move showed civic leaders were listening to the people.

“I think it’s a really good idea and it will be reviewed after 12 months,” he said.

Councillors unanimously supported the trial, but a warning note was sounded by Councillor Bill Ronald, who said many of the new off-leash areas were on reserves where children also played.

“Our first priority is our children, not animals,” he said.

Mr Kirby said the CDG was happy to take a lead on teaching responsible pet ownership.

He said off-leash parks would allow residents to exercise their dogs in a suitable and safe location.

The move should improve relationships between dogs and people.

“Exercising in leash-free areas facilitates socialisation for dogs,” he said. “It is also recognised that dogs will benefit from regular exercise and positive stimulation.

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

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



>>> What’s your view? Contact the Gazette on 5941 2666 or email editor@starnewsgroup.com.au