Keep your dogs on a leash

Published: 05 Aug 2022 11:54am

Dog owners are being urged to keep their dogs on a leash at all times, unless they are in a designated off-leash area, to avoid injury and upset to people and native animals.

Council staff have found dogs who have been let off their leashes while out for a walk harassing native wildlife both at Marrambidya Wetland and at the Wagga Zoo & Aviary.

Zoo Curator Wendy McNamara is particularly concerned by incidents of dog owners allowing their dogs to run up and down the boundary fence line of the zoo, which backs onto the Willans Hill Reserve.

“I recently had some people letting their large dog chase the swamp wallabies and emus up and down the fence while they watched on,” Ms McNamara said.

“I had to tell the people that this was clearly distressing to the animals and asked if they would please move on – when the animals are stressed and running into the fences, it can cause them serious injury.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time this has happened.”

Two weeks ago, zoo staff arrived at work to discover one of the swamp wallabies had sustained injuries to its left eye and ear overnight. While staff are unsure exactly what caused the injuries, they believe it may have resulted from the little marsupial fleeing dogs on the other side of the fence.

Willans Hill does contain an off-leash area, which is not near the zoo, but is restricted to a section along the ridgeline from Lord Baden Powell Drive to Red Hill Road. The remainder of Willans Hill is an on-leash area.

Council’s Manager Environment & Regulatory Services Mark Gardiner said Council is experiencing similar issues at Marrambidya Wetland.

“The wetland is also an on-leash area, so it’s imperative that your dog stays on its leash while you’re there,” Mr Gardiner said.

“Dogs who are running around off-leash present many potential impacts at the wetlands, including harming bird and animal life by trampling nests, frightening birds which can cause them to abandon their nest, and actually attacking animals.

“Letting your dog run around also impacts other people’s enjoyment of the wetlands, including other dog owners with their animals on-leash, and parents of small children.

“Please keep your dog on their leash. They’ll enjoy their walk and no one will get hurt. If you want your dog to be able to run off-leash, please take them to one of our off-leash parks.”

Wagga Wagga City Council has provided nine designated off-leash areas across the city for dogs, including enclosed agility tracks at Lake Albert and Gobbagombalin.

These locations are areas where dogs can run, exercise and socialise leash-free with other dogs and dog park visitors.

Wagga Wagga Off-Leash Dog Areas

For more information on the off-leash areas around the city, please contact Council’s customer service team on 1300 292 442.