Dog off-lead areas
There are several designated off-lead areas to exercise dogs in the City of Melton.
When a dog is being exercised off lead, you must carry a lead to be able to bring a dog under control. Dogs must be under effective voice or hand control, which means you are able to promptly place the dog on a lead should it become necessary.
Dogs must not be allowed to worry or threaten a person or animal. Dogs must be within constant sight of the owner when in off-lead areas.
Consider other people and their dogs
Off-lead areas are for all to enjoy, not just dog owners. Not everyone likes dogs and some people are fearful.
When your dog is off-lead, do not let it jump up on people or rush up to other dogs to play as other dogs may react with fear. Always ask other dog owners if their dog is sociable and if it’s okay to allow your dog to approach. If your dog does not return to you when you call it or you have difficulty controlling your dog's behaviour around other dogs, you should never let your dog off its lead.
Consider engaging your dog into relevant training so it can enjoy being off-lead.
Cleaning up after your dog
The Local Law 2025(PDF, 1MB) (section 6.2 Animal Litter) requires owners to collect and dispose of their dog’s waste responsibly and to always have in their possession a bag or other receptacle for the purpose of removing from a public place that dogs excrement.
Dog waste carries many diseases, so please pick up after your dog and keep our streets, parks and waterways clean.
Lead requirements
All of the City of Melton is, by default, an on-lead area.
A dog may be exercised off a lead in a designated area (see below) provided the owner:
- carries a lead sufficient to bring the dog under effective control if the dog behaves in a manner which threatens any person or animal
- remains in effective voice or hand control of the dog and within constant sight of the dog to be able to promptly place the dog on a lead if required
- does not allow the dog to worry, threaten, or attack any person or animal.
Dog off lead Areas