Dogs of Hume could soon run free in one of 11 new off-leash areas in parks around the municipality.
Hume council has plans to create the new off-leash areas as part of its Dogs in Public Places review.
There are presently 40 designated off-leash areas in the municipality.
The council is proposing to open three new dog parks at Craigieburn and Sunbury, while developing another two at Roxburgh Park, and one each at Greenvale, Campbellfield and Attwood. And it wants people to send in their feedback over the next month. A report last month identified gaps in off-leash dog areas, particularly at Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park.
It found off-leash areas were important because owners can exercise their dogs in safe and appropriate locations without disturbing the environment and other park users.
There are 18,829 dogs registered in Hume, 6385 in Sunbury, and 3573 in Craigieburn.
The review also recommended eight areas where dogs should be prohibited, including Craigieburn’s Amberfield Grassland, Somerton Red Gum Reserve and Broadmeadows’ Maygar Grasslands.
Mayor Drew Jessop said the review, with the proposed new off-leash areas, is open for public submissions by Thursday, April 13.
He said the aim of the review was to identify opportunities to foster responsible dog ownership.
“Hume residents are passionate about their pets. It’s important that we plan for and provide an environment where animals and people co-exist peacefully,” he said.
There will also be information sessions at SunFest on Saturday, March 18, 11am-4pm, and the Broadmeadows Street Festival on Sunday, April 9, 1-7pm.
Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au/yoursay
