Croydon mum calls for warning signs at playground after dog attack near Brentwood Park Kindergarten

A dog attack at a Croydon park which left one child injured and others “traumatised” has sparked questions about the council’s off-leash park laws. Now one mum who saw the aftermath is calling for more to be done to educate pet owners.

Parent Sally Adams, with children James, 3, and Madi, 5, is concerned for their safety after an incident involving an unrestrained dog at Croydon’s Brentwood Park. Picture: Sarah Matray

A concerned mother has called for warning signs at a Croydon off-leash dog park after a unrestrained dog bit a child and left other youngsters traumatised.

Croydon’s Sally Adams said she and other parents and children saw a dog running around a playground near Brentwood Park Kindergarten at 11.30am on March 7.

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Ms Adams said she asked the owner of the dog to put it on a leash but they refused and claimed they were “allowed to be here”.

She then heard a “commotion” while phoning Maroondah Council about the issue and went to help a young child who was crying and had red and black marks on his right leg.

Ms Adams quickly notified the kindergarten and said it was a situation that could have been avoided.

“If there was signage or a fence around the playground, the kids would have been safe,” she said.

“It’s not appropriate to have a dog running around with children.

“There seems to be a lack of education among dog owner communities that what they’re doing is fine.”

Maroondah Council’s local law states dogs must be kept on a leash within 15m of a playground, even if it is in an off-leash area.

Brentwood Park Kindergarten teacher Helen Dundon said there were several “traumatised” children after the incident.

She said a council ranger responded within 15 minutes and understood warning signs were being considered for the park, which the kindergarten supported.
“We are always concerned about the safety of our children, we want them to go out in the park and have fun and not be in danger,” Ms Dundon said.

Maroondah Mayor Rob Steane said the council was aware of the incident and is investigating.

He did not say if any signs would be installed near the playground.

But Cr Steane said the council was about to begin a review of Maroondah’s 35 off-leash reserves which would include monitoring visitor behaviours, public safety and signage.

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