Dogs in Public Places

Dog on a walk.jpeg

Dogs must be kept on a lead in public places unless the area is clearly signposted as a designated off-lead area (under the Domestic Animals Act 1994).

Whether your dog is on or off lead, these requirements help keep parks and public spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.

In parks and public spaces

You must:

  • follow all Council signage in parks, reserves and other public open spaces
  • keep your dog under effective control at all times
  • ensure your dog does not cause fear, distress or threaten any person or animal
  • clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately

In designated off-lead areas

You must:

  • carry a lead at all times
  • keep your dog in sight and under effective voice or hand control
  • only allow your dog off-lead if it reliably returns when called
  • keep your dog off-lead only within designated off-lead areas
  • comply with any additional conditions displayed on signage, such as on-lead hours

In on-lead areas

When your dog is on a lead, you must ensure:

  • the lead is no longer than three metres
  • the lead is securely attached to your dog and held by the person in control

Failure to follow these requirements may result in an infringement notice.

Find an Off-Lead Dog Park

There are 12 designated off-lead dog parks and reserves across the City of Maribyrnong.

 Braybrook Park Footscray Park Scovell Reserve
Chifley Drive Reserve Hansen Reserve Thompson Reserve
Cranwell Reserve Martin Reserve Village Green
Cruickshank Park McIvor Reserve Yarraville Gardens

 

Click the running dog icon on the map to view details for each off-lead park.

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Picking up after your dog

If you own a dog, you're responsible for cleaning up after them in public places.

Always carry a suitable bag to collect your dog’s waste.

Once collected, dispose of your dog's waste in a dog litter bin or rubbish bin.

Failure to clean up after your dog may result in an on‑the‑spot fine.

Understanding Dog Signage

Our parks and reserves use clear signage to help you understand where dogs can be on or off lead and what your responsibilities are.

Below are the signs you'll see throughout the City of Maribyrnong.

Dog-Off-Lead-signage.png
   

Dog off-lead
Designated off-lead area. Dogs may be
off lead but must remain under effective
control and be supervised at all times.
Dog-On-Lead-signage.png
 

Dog on-lead
Dogs must be kept on a lead.
Dog-Clean-Up-signage.png

Clean up after your dog
Always clean up after your dog and dispose
of the waste in a dog litter bin or rubbish bin.

 

Dogs on sporting grounds

Dogs are not permitted on sporting grounds while training sessions or matches are taking place.

Dogs in playgrounds

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in playground areas.

Dogs that are off-lead must not be within 30 metres of a playground.

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