Obey leash rules or face fine

By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong council is reminding residents to let their dogs off-leash only at designated reserves.
Dog owners caught with Rover off-leash in a public place that is not a designated off-leash reserve face fines of up to $2000.
Springvale South councillor Yvonne Herring encouraged people to observe the rules applying to parks and reserves in which they walk their dogs.
“One of the key components to maintaining a healthy and socially acceptable dog is good, regular exercise,” Cr Herring said.
“To assist residents in this important task, the council has created a number of areas within the municipality where dogs can be exercised off-leash.”
Greater Dandenong’s off-leash areas are located within Fotheringham Reserve, the Police Paddocks, Tirhatuan Park, Frederick Wachter Reserve, Lois Twohig Reserve, Warner Reserve, and Spring Valley Reserve.
A full listing of off-leash areas and the guidelines applying to them can be found by visiting www.greaterdandenong.com and typing “off leash” into the search field.
Council tips for walking your dog:
• Dogs may only be walked off-leash in designated areas. They must be walked to these areas with their leash on;
• Fines of up to $2000 are applicable to owners of dogs that are off-leash outside their property or a designated off-leash area;
• Not everyone is comfortable around dogs – respect the rights of others using public space and use a leash where required or appropriate;
• If you can’t see your dog, even for a brief period, you can’t effectively clean up after it;
• It’s safer to have your own dog on a leash to avoid possible confrontations with other dogs;
• Even in off-leash areas, dogs must be under their owner’s effective control by voice command or hand signal;
• You must always carry a leash, chain, cord or some other means of restraining your dog;
• Council rangers are conducting patrols of parks and other popular dog-walking areas to ensure people are complying with on-leash requirements.