Kangaroo Flat residents object to dog park

Dog park plans are getting a ruff reception from Kangaroo Flat residents. Have your say.

Archie the dog, who'd like to go to the park.

Doggone it! A ruff reception is in store for dog owners hoping to use a new off-leash park at Kangaroo Flat, with nearby residents already saying “drop, roll over and play dead”, to Greater Bendigo Council’s proposal.

A petition signed by people near Molesworth Road alleges dog waste will be left to “putridly fester right outside residents properties” if a plan to build a dog park there goes ahead.

It predicted an off-leash designation would even pull down house prices in the area.

The council is considering sweeping changes to cat containment and leash rules in the municipality.

“The location is not appropriate for this use due to the confined nature of the reserve being completely surrounded by residences, many of whom have pets in their yards which will be worried and/ or threatened by unfamiliar animals so close to their private open space,“ the petition states.

“These parks are often used by owners to toilet their pets and inevitably owners will not remove and dispose of their dog’s waste, leaving it to putridly fester right outside residents properties. Dogs will do this to mark territory near to where other dogs live.”

The petition has been submitted to the council for consideration on Monday night.

He’s ready to party, but Kangaroo Flat residents are unenthusiastic about sharing a park with off leash dogs

The petition has been submitted to the council for consideration on Monday night.

It predicts an off-leash status would threaten children’s welfare, impact on parking and endanger wildlife.

“Increased foot traffic by pet owners from beyond the immediate neighbourhood will significantly impact on the amenity of the secluded private open space of residents adjoining the reserve.

“As local caveats don’t allow front fences, pets in the immediate area are at risk from off leash dogs that are not under effective control of their owners. But fencing would not be consistent with the neighbourhood character and would severely disrupt the streetscape. Parking for visiting owners is quite limited and will seriously affect the amenity of Molesworth Rd and Guy Ct residents.

“This reserve is a precious wildlife habitat where we can frequently observe lizards, ground nesting spur wing plovers, grass parrots, galahs regularly feeding on grasses,” and more.

“Local children often play on the reserve and residents regularly use the reserve as a shortcut but would be worried and/or threatened by dogs running freely.”