This Jack Russell can be let off the leash in seven parks in Greater Dandenong.DOG owners are being encouraged to take advantage of the shire’s off-leash zones when taking their four-legged friends for a run or walk in the area.
Seven reserves in Greater Dandenong have been earmarked as leash-free zones.
Mayor Youhorn Chea said the zones were implemented to promote good pet health through regular exercise.
“One of the key components to maintaining a healthy and socially acceptable dog is good regular exercise,” he said.
“To assist residents with this important task, the council has created a number of areas within the municipality where dogs can be exercised off-leash.”
Tirhatuan Park, Police Paddocks and Fotheringham, Lois Twohig, Spring Valley, Federick Wachter and Warner Reserves all have designated off-leash areas.
There are a number of rules that dog owners must abide by when exercising their pets in off-leash zones.
Dogs must be no more than 50 metres from the person walking them and must remain on-leash if any club or school sport is being played in the reserve.
Dogs must also wear a registration tag at all times and any droppings must be cleaned up and disposed of.
Council officers randomly patrol parks and reserves to ensure that pet owners comply with the council’s off-leash rules.
On-the-spot penalties of up to $215 apply for failure to comply with any of the council’s off-leash requirements.
