Community feedback has expressed concerns around control of dogs in open and public spaces.
Presently, dogs in Wodonga do not need to be on-leash but do need to be under effective control - either on a lead or by voice or hand command. This is enforced under the council’s local laws through the gazetted Order for the Control of Dogs.
However, under the order, dogs must be on a lead near playgrounds, around stock on council-owned leased areas, in WRENs reserves, at Gateway Lakes, at Gateway Village and wherever signposted.
The council is asking the community for their feedback on this issue with the results from this survey informing recommendations on the order for the control of dogs and possible off-leash areas.
As most of our parks and reserves are used in many ways, it’s important to realise that dog off-leash areas are just as important as dog on-leash areas, recognising off-leash areas are beneficial for the health and wellbeing of dogs.
Commonly used terms
- Dog parks usually consist of a gated area wherein dogs are permitted to roam off-leash, without a perceived direct voice command or control by the owner.
- In contrast, off-leash areas usually consist of an unfenced reserve, often natural bushland, the sides of walking tracks or designated public parks.
- Effective control means a dog’s owner has control of the dog either on a lead or by voice or hand command.