Wodonga Council
Talking Dogs

Page URL: https://www.wodonga.vic.gov.au/Have-your-say/Past-Consultations/2020/Talking-Dogs

Talking Dogs

 /  Have your sayPast Consultations2020Talking Dogs

Talking Dogs


Closed
02
Jul

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.

August 18, 2020

At the August ordinary council meeting, the council adopted a motion to make a new order under Section 26 of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 requiring dogs to be on a leash at all times while in public areas other than designated off-leash areas.

The council will now look to designate public areas within Wodonga to be off-leash areas as set out and will undertake consultation commence with the community to find a suitable location for Wodonga’s next gated dog park.

July 2, 2020

This consultation is now closed for public comment.

Thank you to everyone that participated and had your say!

June 16, 2020

This consultation is now open for public comment.

Take the survey here or add feedback to our interactive map here

Location:

Submissions can be made online (using the online form below), by e-mail or phone.

Written submissions must be clearly marked as '' and will be received up until . They can also be sent by:

Document Library
Life cycle
  • Open

    This survey is open for public comment and contribution.

  • Under review

    Contributions to this survey are closed for evaluation and review. The project team will report back on the key outcomes.

  • Final report

    The final outcomes of the survey are documented. This may include a summary of all the contributors collected.

  • Adoption

    The motion was adopted by council at the August ordinary meeting

Who's Listening
Environment & Community Protection

Wodonga Council

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