By Laura Michell
Hume dogs will be able to run free in more parks, with the council creating three new off-leash areas.
As part of the council’s Dogs in Public Places Review, councillors voted to provide dog owners with more opportunities to have dogs off-leash, turning Campbellfield’s Bolinda Road Reserve, Craigieburn’s Newbury Park and an area adjacent to Craigieburn’s Hume Tennis and Community Centre into leash-free areas.
Owners will be able to let their dogs off their leash in the parks once rules of use signs are installed by the council.
Mayor Geoff Porter said there are 18,693 dogs registered in Hume, but while dog ownership rates have increased, backyards have become smaller and it’s become more difficult to find spaces to exercise dogs off-leash.
“Designated off-leash areas provide a safe community setting where dogs can play with each other, resulting in dogs that are healthier, happier and less aggressive,” he said.
“They’re also a great way for pet owners to socialise and make like-minded friends.”
Cr Porter said that dog owners using the off-leash areas would need to ensure their dogs are under effective control at all times.
“While this is a great opportunity for dog owners, all residents and visitors have the right to enjoy public land and its amenities,” he said.
