July 25th, 2024Council takes a lead on off-leash, dog-free zones

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is inviting feedback on its designated dog off-leash and prohibited areas to help improve amenity for both pet owners and non-pet owners.

In 2020, the council became a dog on-leash shire, introducing 52 designated dog off-leash areas. At the same time, the council introduced prohibited areas to protect the shire’s sensitive native environment from the impact of dogs and cats.

This new consultation – a key action in the council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (2021-2025) – seeks feedback on how these areas are working and welcomes suggestions for improvement of existing areas, as well as suggestions for new areas to be considered.

Director Planning and Environment Rebecca Stockfeld said the consultation provided the opportunity for feedback from all users of these areas, both pet owners and non-pet owners alike.

“Council strives to support a pet-friendly shire and we have a lot of passionate pet owners, with nearly 14,000 dogs and cats registered within our shire,” she said.

“There are a number of important considerations when it comes to dog on and off-leash areas, and prohibited areas: we need to balance the needs of dogs, dog owners and the wider community, we look at available space and we also consider the impact of pets on the natural environment.

“So with this review, we encourage people to tell us what they think of these areas, so that we can make informed decisions moving forward to best support our residents and our furry friends.”

Under current rules, dogs in public places must be on a leash, unless in designated off-leash areas in accordance with any specified restrictions for that area. Even in off-leash areas, dogs must also be under effective control at all times and should not be left unattended.

Feedback gathered will assist the council in preparing potential activities for inclusion in the next Domestic Animal Management Plan (2025 – 2029), including any adjustments to the dog off-leash and prohibited areas (also known as Council’s Dog and Cat Order 2019).

With input welcome up to August 11, those keen to know more and share their own thoughts should visit the council’s dedicated consultation page via its website.