Year-long trial for dog parks

– Paul Dunlop
DOG-lovers were rejoicing this week with the dream of an off-leash park in Pakenham becoming reality.
Canine-loving residents have lobbied for more than a year to establish a place where their pets could run free.
They now have a choice of locations after Cardinia Shire Council leaders agreed to allow dogs to be off the leash in several parks and reserves.
A 12-month trial starting in August will see dogs – unless they are dangerous or menancing – able to run and play without restriction as long as their owners are no further than 50 metres away.
Dog owners must also abide by conditions requiring pet control, registration and litter disposal.
Pakenham resident Ed Kirby of the Cardinia Dog Group welcomed the scheme, which will see off-leash areas set up in Pakenham at the Don Jackson reserve, Rotary Park and reserves in Simon Drive and Lilliput Lane.
Mr Kirby led the off-leash push after first reading about the issue in the News last year.
“This is a great step forward,” Mr Kirby said.
“It’s terrific and I congratulate the council on taking the initiative.”
Mr Kirby thanked the Star News Group for its support.
Councillor Brett Owen said the move showed civic leaders were listening to the people. “I think it’s a really good idea and it will be reviewed after 12 months,” he said.