January 2nd, 2024Bendigo goes on-leash for pooch walkers

As of yesterday, January 1, Greater Bendigo changed from being an off-leash default to an on-leash default municipality with new designated areas where dogs can be exercised off-leash.

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the change is happening to help keep public areas safe and enjoyable for everyone and every dog following the adoption of the City’s Domestic Animal Management Plan 2021-2025.

“Greater Bendigo will join other Victorian municipalities with the same on-leash requirements including Geelong, Ballarat, Mildura and Shepparton” Cr Metcalf said.

“Greater Bendigo has one of the highest levels of companion animal ownership in Victoria with more than one third of households currently owning a cat or a dog.  There are over 15,470 dogs and 5,570 cats registered in Greater Bendigo and in the last financial year the City received more than 4,500 requests for animal services.

“For residents and their dogs that love an off-leash walk, there are still plenty of spaces for dogs to have a run and play off-leash, including four fully fenced dog parks and 17 new designated off-leash areas.

“Residents can exercise their dog off-leash in the new designated areas at any time, except when the spaces have planned bookings for any organised event such as sports or training.  These new areas are not fenced, and residents will need to bring along their own water and dog poo waste bags.”

Greater Bendigo’s four, fully fenced dog parks have water, dog poo waste bags, shaded areas and small dog. It is important to remember that even when using the fully fenced dog parks and designated off-leash areas, dogs must always remain under the control of their owner.