Dog owners petition Frankston Council for new leash-free dog park
DOG owners in Melbourne’s south say they are being forced to take their pooches elsewhere because current parks are “inadequate” and want the council to build a leash-free dog park in Langwarrin.
South East
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DOG owners have kicked off a petition pushing Frankston Council for a new leash-free dog park in Langwarrin.
Langwarrin Community Centre (LCC) has offered to pay for the proposed park, which would be wheelchair accessible and purpose-built for pets with puppy play equipment, drinking fountains, fences and bins.
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LCC community development officer Col Barber said Langwarrin needed a proper leash-free park, and the suburb had plenty of stunning reserves which could accommodate it.
“Most of our other leash-free dog parks are shared with other community organisations like sporting clubs,” Mr Barber said.
The council has designated four “free roam” areas where pets can run free in Langwarrin, but dog owners must keep their pets on a leash within 10m of sporting events and playgrounds.
“Every weekend I see Langwarrin residents putting their dogs in their cars and driving off to dog parks in Frankston and other places,” Mr Barber said.
Langwarrin dog owner Danielle Binks said the suburb’s existing free roam areas were totally inadequate.
“They’re not actually fenced in, there are no bins, no drinking facilities and nowhere for owners to sit,” Ms Binks said.
“If you have a dog you’re training to come back to you, you’re not going to feel comfortable with a busy road right next to you.”
Mayor Colin Hampton said the council could consider the proposed park.
“If community support is warranted, we will continue to liaise with the community centre members to keep them informed of any possible developments,” he said.
There are 4400 dogs registered in Langwarrin. More than 200 people have already signed a petition, which can be found at Langwarrin Community Centre and Harcourts Real Estate Langwarrin.