Released 16/07/2019
Changes to Canberra's designated on and off‑leash areas have now taken effect as part of measures to improve responsible dog ownership and improve community safety.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said that the new dog exercise maps make the rules clear on designated on and off-leash areas as well as prohibited dog areas.
The rules around on and off‑leash areas are based on the Canberra Dog Model and existing domestic animals legislation and include:
- Unless otherwise identified on the maps, all public areas are dog on lead, including street verges and footpaths
- 10m either side of footpaths and cycle paths are dog on-leash areas
- Playgrounds and BBQs remain dog prohibited within 10 metres when in use
- Sportsgrounds will be off-leash except during formal sporting events
- Lakes and ponds, unless otherwise signposted, will be dog on-leash areas.
"The new maps follow the principle, that if you're walking on a suburban footpath or street you shouldn't be harassed by a dog off a lead," said Minister Steel.
"The changes mean that only certain spaces are off-lead including dog parks, certain open spaces, and ovals and sportsgrounds.
"For all other areas, there is a simple message: Keep your dog on a lead, it's the law."
Minister Steel said that a new team of six compliance officers was now in operation. The officers will be targeting off‑leash dogs as a priority in their first six weeks.
The changes have been designed so that people can feel safe walking, riding or taking young children on our shared paths, open space areas and foreshore areas, while still ensuring significant off-leash areas are available for dog owners who have effective control of their dog (within around 800 metres in most areas).
The Government is reviewing dog swimming areas before the summer, to make certain places available for water retrievers and other dogs that want to take a dip.
Since the Canberra Dog Model was released a month ago the ACT Government has already delivered on several of its key actions.
"A pet census is underway to provide more insight into Canberra's pets including how many live here, where they are housed, and the relationship we have with them," Minister Steel said.
"An education program aimed at children and new parents will start in the next school term to teach young families the skills they need to be safe around dogs, which is proven to reduce dog bites.
"Free microchipping was provided at this year's RSPCA Million Paws Walk and more free microchipping and registration days will be held throughout the year to incentivise dog owners to register and microchip their dogs and/or update their details.
"We are delivering these key actions to achieve our goal of providing world's best practice for the management of dogs and encouraging responsible pet ownership."
The new designated dog exercise area maps are available at:
http://app.actmapi.act.gov.au/actmapi/index.html?viewer=doma
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases
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