DOGS will get more space to run free on the east side of Lake Claremont parkland if proposed changes to local laws controlling the pets in Claremont go through.
“That would be lovely as we usually go to that part of the park and it’s quite near the main intersection our dog could run across near Alfred Road,” Floreat dog walker Joanna Turnbull said.
Councillors agreed to advertise the proposal and others for the Dogs in Public Spaces policy at last night’s meeting.
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READ NOWAlfred Road resident Nick Cook said there were already many dog exercise areas and the proposed extension at the parkland was used by wildlife, including turtles, and public enjoying the space without dogs’ interference.
There are 930 dogs registered in Claremont, up from 820 several years ago.
They can be exercised in the northeast section of the Lake Claremont Parklands, and Alex Prior, Agett, Parry Street Road Median and Mofflin reserves.
Other sites comprise Claremont, Maclagan and Rowe parks and the Swan River foreshore between Alex Prior Reserve and Jetty Street.
The proposed changes would allow off-lead dogs south to Elliot Road in the lake’s parklands, with the new border marked by new trees, excluding the animals from Parry Street Reserve because of difficulties defining its boundaries with Cottesloe Council, and prohibiting the pets from Claremont Golf Course.
Cr Bruce Haynes said a tree border would not be enough to define the greater space in the parklands.
“No dog, there is no doubt, doesn’t know what a tree is for, and a line of them is not a boundary,” Cr Haynes said.
However, the council decided not to propose changing the on-lead designation of Creswell Park, west of Lake Claremont, despite complaints about dog excreta near the adjacent playing fields used by Scotch College and adult sports.
Comment on the proposals can be made here for 28 days.