Signs to leash dogs for City of Wanneroo playgrounds

PLAYGROUNDS around the City of Wanneroo will, over the next five years, get signs to keep dogs on leashes.

At their June 28 meeting, councillors agreed to a programmed installation of signs for almost 200 playgrounds, expected to cost $50,000 in total.

The decision followed a motion by Cr Dot Newton in March 2015, which she said was based on feedback from residents about dogs running towards children in playgrounds, scaring them, or “dogs fouling the area”.

The staff report said the City received minimal complaints about dogs causing problems in and around playgrounds.

“Although a dog is seen as a part of the family, some young children are afraid when a dog runs towards them,” it said.

“Whilst the installation of these signs will have some negative impact on the overall aesthetics of parks, their installation will be a visual reminder to dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash around playground areas.”