Thanks for keeping your dog on a leash!
Published: 23 Aug 2024 1:45pm
When visiting the many beautiful public walking tracks and parks around Wagga Wagga, it’s always great to see people out and about with their pooches.
It’s even better when people are being respectful of others by keeping their dog on a leash.
As the end of winter approaches, Wagga Wagga City Council wants to thank all the responsible dog owners who are doing the right thing and restraining their dog in public.
Regulatory Services Coordinator Claire Hynes said we should be respectful of other people and animals using the same spaces as us.
“It’s important to understand that not everyone is a dog-lover: even though you might think your dog is the best boy/girl, other people might not feel the same” Ms Hynes said.
“Some people might be uncomfortable or scared when they see an off-leash dog coming towards them.”
Ms Hynes said not only can people feel unsafe around dogs off-lead, but also other dogs might react negatively.
“When a dog is on a lead and is approached by an excited or confident dog, it might feel scared or threatened and lash out. This is dangerous for both dogs and owners.
“Taking your dog for a walk should be a fun and safe experience; by keeping your dog on a lead everyone can enjoy the same spaces.”
Sometimes though, it’s great to watch our animal friends enjoying their time outside unbound, and for that reason we have some perfect spaces for dogs to be off-leash.
“Council has nine off-leash dog areas, which are the perfect place to let your dog run, exercise and socialise leash-free with other dogs.”
“Remember, you still need to be able to control your dog even in an off-leash area.”
Ms Hynes said NSW legislation requires that all dogs in a public place must be under effective control by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash that is attached to the dog and is held by (or secured to) a person.
“We don’t want to fine people for exercising their dog, but if your dog is off lead in a public place a fine of $330 applies.”
There are plenty of popular destinations for residents and visitors to get out and about across Wagga Wagga, such as Lake Albert, Marrambidya Wetland and the Riverside Precinct.
While it is great to see these places being enjoyed by everyone, it is important to remember that unless it is one of the designated off-leash areas listed, your dog must be on a leash at all times.
- Narrung St Off-Leash Area: located at Narrung Street on the southern boundary of the Wiradjuri Golf Centre driving range.
- Wilks Park Off-Leash Area: on the Eastern side of Wilks Park, North Wagga Wagga.
- Willans Hill Off-Leash Area: the parts of the Willans Hill reserve area south of Lord Baden Powell Drive to east of Captain Cook Drive, and all of the Willans Hill Reserve between Leavenworth Drive and Red Hill Road.
- O'Halloran Park Agility Track: located on the corner of Lakeside Drive and Lake Albert Road.
- Lake Albert Boat Club Off-Leash Area: between Plumpton Road and Boat Club Carpark.
- Forest Hill Off-Leash Area: between Kurrajong Avenue at the intersection of Cypress St and the western edge of the RAAF base Wagga.
- Wiradjuri Reserve: at the eastern end of the reserve between Pebble Beach and the boat ramp area.
- Boorooma Off-Leash Area: part of Explorer Park. The site is fenced and covers approximately 0.34 hectares.
- Gobbagombalin Off-Leash Area: located on the corner of Yenda Avenue and Paradise Drive.
For more details head to our Off-Leash Dog Areas webpage.