Your dog must be kept on a lead at all times, unless you are in an area clearly signed as an off-lead area “Designated Off Leash Area”.
Dogs can be exercised off a lead in many reserves and parks, but they must remain under control and be continually supervised and under “Effective Control”.
‘Effective Control’ means that whilst on or off lead, the person in apparent control of a dog does not allow the dog to worry, cause a nuisance or threaten any person or animal.
‘Designated Off Leash Area’, means any place or part of an area assigned by Council as an off leash dog park.
There are a number of dog parks in Ballarat you can take your dog to.
A dog may be exercised off an appropriate leash, chord or control apparatus such as a harness in a Designated Off Leash Area if the person in apparent control of the dog:
- carries an appropriate lead or control apparatus such as a head and/or body harness sufficient to bring the dog under Effective Control;
- remains in effective voice or hand control of the dog and within constant sight of the dog at all times; and
- does not allow the dog to worry, cause a nuisance or threaten any person or animal.
If a dog is off lead in a Designated Off-Leash Area, it must be brought under Effective Control by means of a an appropriate lead or control apparatus such as a head and/or body harness, if the dog is within 50 metres of:
- the arena or ground of an organised sporting or practice event;
- a children’s play equipment area;
- the principal location of an organised public meeting or event; and
- a permanent barbecue or picnic area.
If a dog is off lead in a Designated Off Leash Area it must be brought under Effective Control by an appropriate lead or control apparatus such as a head and/or body harness if the dog is within 10 metres of any shared path, walking track or waterway.
Council’s Animal Management Officer conduct twice daily patrols of Designated Off Leash Areas and areas not designated under this order. Officers are authorised under the Domestic Animals Act to issue infringements for breaches of the order.
View the full order made by the City of Ballarat