NEW locations for dog exercise areas are under investigation by Mundaring Shire after councillors locked horns over dogs ‘off leash’ on a popular heritage trail.
Councillors agreed to extend their search for designated dog play zones beyond sections of the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail and Black Cockatoo Reserve.
The Shire wants its proposal to clarify where dogs are allowed on and off leash in public areas.
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READ NOWA person responsible for a dog ‘off leash’ in a ‘dog exercise area’ must be capable of controlling the animal and also carry a leash in case restraint is required.
Any public place not listed as a ‘dog exercise area’ or a ‘prohibited area’ would come under the general requirements of the Dog Act 1976, which means dogs must be on leash.
Under the original proposal, the heritage trail was not considered suitable as a dog exercise area and therefore was a dog ‘on leash’ area.
The Shire received more than 80 submissions, resulting in the additional locations of Mundaring Recreation Ground Oval, Chartwell Park and Shire-owned land next to Morgan John Morgan Reserve.
Banned areas for dogs in the proposal include Shire public buildings, Blackboy Hill Memorial, Mundaring and Wooroloo Cemeteries, Lake Leschenaultia and Sculpture Park Children’s Playground.
Dogs would also not be allowed near playgrounds and on sporting ovals during play and maintenance work.
A report on the suitability of the other locations suggested will be presented at a council meeting in September.
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