Increase in dog complaints

Published on 14 September 2020

Kerryn Shade walking dog.png

Horsham Rural City Council’s Local Laws team will increase its patrols along the city’s walking tracks following a spike in complaints about dogs.

In Horsham, any dog being exercised in public must be on a leash.

However Local Laws team member Jason Brady said Council had received a spike in complaints about dogs not being on leashes, particularly in areas where there were shared walking and cycling tracks.

“More people than ever are getting out and using the walking tracks along the river due the Coronavirus restrictions and we are lucky to have fantastic natural areas to get out and clear our minds,” Mr Brady said.

“But the disappointing thing is that not everyone is following the rules when it comes to having their dogs on leads. 

“We’ve had several people come to us and say too many dogs are unrestrained and running in front of bikes and runners,” he said.




Dog owners are also required to pick up and dispose of dog droppings. Council provides dog tidy bags and general rubbish disposal bins at the dog off-leash areas and main walking paths in the city.

“There’s plenty of space for everyone if we all do the right things and respect the rules and respect each other, everyone can get on and enjoy the natural open spaces we are so lucky have,” he said.

Local Laws officers are patrolling the city’s walking tracks multiple times per day.

FINES 

  • Not having bags or items with you to pick up after your dog: $50
  • Failing to have a dog on leash on any road or municipal place: $150
  • Failing to pick up and dispose of animal excrement: $75
Tagged as: