Dog owners are reminded to keep their pets on a leash unless they are in a dog park or designated dog exercise area.
“People can take their dogs to a number of designated off-leash exercise areas across Canberra,” said Peter Dinan, Manager of Operations and Registrar of Domestic Animal Services.<!–more–>”When visiting these areas people do need to keep in mind that these open spaces are used for other recreational purposes so it is important that dogs remain under the control of their carers whilst exercising off-leash. Although you might have confidence in the standard of your dog’s training, other animals might not be so well behaved and problems can quickly occur.
“Alternatively, there are five off-leash enclosed dog parks located in Belconnen (Diddams Close), Greenway (Mortimer Lewis Drive), Yarralumla (Weston Park), Forde (Amy Ackman Drive), and Casey (Springbank Rise).
“While we strongly encourage dogs to be exercised, dog owners need to be mindful that not everyone is comfortable around dogs and to respect other people’s enjoyment of the outdoors by managing their dogs in public places.
“All dogs taken to these dog parks must be registered, desexed (unless a permit has been issued), and fully vaccinated,” Mr Dinan said.
Mr Dinan also encouraged people to be responsible dog owners by picking up after their dogs.
“Stepping in or coming across dog droppings is never pleasant and can take the enjoyment away from your walking experience.
“Dog droppings can also be hazardous as they can carry diseases that can be transmitted to other dogs, animals and to humans such as parvo virus. Parasites can live in the soil for years where contaminated dog droppings have been left to disintegrate.
“If caught not picking up after your dog you can be fined for not disposing of their droppings. On-the-spot fines of $50 can be issued by ACT Rangers.
“In addition, dog owners can be fined $50 for not carrying appropriate equipment to collect their dog’s droppings if required. We recommend that dog poo be picked up and collected in an appropriate bag. The droppings can then be wrapped up and deposited in any Government provided residential green wheelie bin.”
For more information on responsible pet ownership including off-leash dog exercise areas visit TAMS website.
Courtesy of ACT Territory and Municipal Services Directorate.
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