Letting their dogs run free are Ed and Jane Kirby with pooches Max and Abby.
By Melissa Grant
PAKENHAM parkland where dogs can run free has proved a big hit with canine-loving residents.
Pet owners are making full use of several off-leash parks around the town just a month into the Cardinia Shire Council’s 12-month trial.
Cardinia Dog Group (CDG) chairman Ed Kirby welcomed the scheme which has seen off-leash areas set up at the Don Jackson reserve, Rotary Park and reserves in Simon Drive and Lilliput Lane.
Mr Kirby, who lives in Pakenham, said the trial had been very popular with residents and their four-legged friends.
“It appears that people are happy with the new leash-free parks. The dogs love to run and play with their owners and other dogs,” he said.
The CDG led the push for off-leash dog parks after the News first highlighted the issue last year. Mr Kirby said the parks provided a great place for dogs to socialise.
“Our dogs, Abby and Max, meet their friend Sooty every morning for a run and a play,” he said.
Off-leash parks have also been established at Emerald, Officer, Kooweerup, Cockatoo, Bunyip, Garfield and Maryknoll. All dogs, unless they are dangerous or menacing, can play without a leash as long as their owners are within 50 metres. Dog owners must also abide by conditions requiring pet control, registration and litter disposal.
Mr Kirby said he had visited most of the off-leash dog parks in the Cardinia shire and estimated that 10 to 12 dogs visited the reserves each morning with their owners.
He said the CDG would soon begin to monitor attendance at the leash-free parks in the hope of getting the Cardinia Shire Council to extend the trial.
“Dogs need freedom for their wellbeing. Dogs need to socialise in a neutral park with their owner on hand to look after them and care for the surroundings,” he said. “Exercising in leash free areas facilitates socialisation for dogs. It is also recognised that dogs will benefit from regular exercise and positive stimulation.
“This will follow on to dogs being less stressed, healthier and less likely to cause nuisances in the neighbourhood.”
While he was impressed with the 11 reserves, Mr Kirby said some more “doggy trees” and poop bag dispensers would be welcome.
The CDG will hold a meeting at LLINC, Henry Street, Pakenham, on 4 September at 7pm which all residents are welcome to attend.
Those wanting more details about off-leash park locations can email messy_pawz@bigpond.com or contact Ed Kirby on 5941 3853.
