Help shape the future of how dogs and people share our public spaces as part of the Dog Management Policy review.
Community engagement for the Dog Management Policy is now live on Your Say, with all residents invited to complete an online survey.
It is our legislative responsibility under the Dog Control Act 2000 to review this policy every five years, providing an opportunity to create new policy that reflects the contemporary needs and expectations of the whole community.
The review provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at responsible dog ownership, highlighting key factors such as community safety, environmental protection, and equitable access to open spaces.
With more than 10,000 dogs living in Clarence, and around one in three households sharing life with a four-legged companion, dogs are an enduring part of life in Clarence.
However, not everyone likes dogs and this can create conflict between people who use and value public places for different reasons.
It is these types of differing values that must be considered as part of the review, and community feedback is vital to develop a new policy that suits everyone.
We invite feedback from dog owners, non‑owners, recreational users, environmental groups and anyone who uses or enjoys our public spaces.
The review will consider a wide range of issues, including:
- off‑lead areas, prohibited zones and dog parks
- waste management
- registration, microchipping, fees and kennel licences
- responsible ownership, barking and behaviour issues
- dog incidents and attacks, dangerous dogs and enforcement
- community education and awareness programs
- impacts on natural areas and wildlife
- emerging trends in dog ownership.
Your feedback will help shape a Dog Management Policy that works for everyone.
This is about getting the balance right, creating policy that supports responsible dog ownership, keeps our public spaces welcoming for everyone, and protects our natural environment and wildlife.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the review was an opportunity to influence a fair, practical, and future focused approach to dog management in Clarence.
“Not every outcome will please everyone, but it is about balancing the needs of the whole community.”
He said some topics in the review are governed by legislation and cannot be changed or influenced by community feedback, while other topics required a decision to be made by council.
“Councils can declare dog exercise areas and decide to attach conditions to these areas, such as making areas on-lead, or restricting dogs from areas at certain times.
“But councils are also legislatively responsible for conserving natural values, native flora, and fauna, and must consider dogs as possible threats to habitats and wildlife.
“Community feedback on these matters helps us balance all values and concerns and make informed decisions on what to include in the new policy.”