By BEN CAMERON
A PAKENHAM dog owner has called on Cardinia Shire Council to follow in the footsteps of other councils and install fencing at off-leash areas.
The Gazette revealed last week that council is proposing to remove five off-leash areas.
Sarah Smith said she welcomed the possible removal of Jackson Reserve because of a lack of fencing in place.
“Having off lead areas in a safe and designated place would also deter people from having their dogs off lead where they shouldn’t be,” she said.
“I haven’t felt safe taking my dogs there since it’s close to a road and nothing is fenced.”
She said she would like to see council take the lead of Knox City Council and have fenced areas.
Knox City Council currently has a fully fenced off-leash dog play park at Knox Park Reserve. Dog owners must be present and have control of their dogs at all times.
“When I asked about putting up fences for parts of designated areas, I was told that Cardinia Shire Council found fences ‘unwelcoming’,” Mrs Smith said.
In an email to Mrs Smith Central Ward, Cr George Blenkhorn said fencing was not a priority for council.
“Council is not supportive of fenced areas for dog exercise as they are not welcoming and restrict any multi use option for other residents,” he wrote.
“Also fenced areas are likely to be used for dogs who are not under their owners control and are a danger to other dogs and their owners.”
Mrs Smith was also concerned an increase in registration fees as not in line with a decrease in pet services.
“They (council) don’t seem to care about taking our money while decreasing services,” she said.
However, council manager Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson said council had not formed a concrete view on fencing.
“Council has not proposed any fenced off-leash dog areas or formed a position on the appropriateness of fenced off-leash dog areas at this time,” he said.
“However, we are currently undertaking community consultation for the off-leash dog areas policy and will consider all submissions once the consultation period ends.
“Currently, dog registration fees vary depending on a number of factors, including the dog’s age and whether it is desexed.”
