A move to partner and promote responsible pet ownership in the community is a driving force behind two new initiatives at the City of Whittlesea.
The municipality recently opened its first dedicated off leash dog area for a 12 month trial period, creating a fenced area complete with dog training, exercise and agility equipment at the City of Whittlesea Gardens in Barry Road, Lalor. So far the feedback has been enormously positive, with dogs owners from across the municipality travelling to attend the opening of the off leash area.
“This new area is a real benefit to promoting responsible pet ownership,” said Manager Local Laws Bill Ryley. “We believe it is quite unusual to have a dedicated fenced area with this kind of equipment and it is a specific response to what dog owners have told us they need. A well exercised dog is less likely to experience behavioural problems, such as nuisance barking and roaming.”
The opening event included a doggy market, professional advice and competitions with proceeds from the day donated to the Petstock Foundation to support Wildlife Victoria.
In a second initiative, a new proactive patrol by Council’s Animal Ranger service has also been launched. For the first time, the service provided by Council’s contractors the Lost Dogs Home has been proactively patrolling the City in a high visibility van to pick up wandering dogs and cats. The service is intended to act as a deterrent to people who allow their dogs to wander and give them an added incentive to be responsible pet owners.
These initiatives have created considerable positive community interest and feedback for a relatively modest investment.
