Dogs Off-Lead Parks and Reserves

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all dog owners and people in charge of a dog must ensure the dog is securely confined on a lead in public places unless the area is clearly signposted as an off-lead area.

Council provides a number of designated off‑lead areas where dogs can be exercised without a lead.

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 droppings appropriately

When using off-lead areas, you must also:

• 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 to you when called
• keep dogs off‑lead within designated off‑lead areas only
• comply with any additional conditions on signage, such as specified on‑lead hours

When dogs are on‑lead:

• the dog must be controlled using a chain, cord or leash no longer than three metres
• the lead must be held by the person in control and attached to the dog

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