NEWS

We all know how much Islander’s love their dogs, but we do need to manage them. Council has updated the Dog Management Policy and would like your feedback.

Under the Dog Control Act 2000 Council is required to develop, make and implement a policy relating to dog management within its area. The policy is required to include a code for the responsible ownership of dogs and identify areas that can be used by dog owners and what that use is as well as restricted and prohibited areas.

The policy is required to be reviewed at least every five years. With the original policy adopted in 2019 it is time for a review.

The draft amended policy sees some of the background information and Council actions, which are ongoing, to ensure that is contains information that is more relevant to dog owners and the general public.

The main changes relate to the areas where a dog can be exercised off lead and prohibited areas.  Maps are provided identifying these areas. Any land under the control of Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service or allocated Crown land are managed under separate legislation.  In any other public areas a dog must be on a lead and under effective control.

There are some areas under s28 of the Dog Control Act 2000 where dogs are prohibited from entering:

• Grounds of a school, kindergarten, crèche or other place for the reception of children without prior permission of the individual in charge.
• Any shopping centre or shop.
• A public swimming pool, or any playing area or sportsground where sport is being played.
• Within 10 metres of a children’s playground.

The exemptions to this are:

• Guide Dogs and Hearing Dogs may enter any premises.
• Pet or pet-grooming stores.
• Veterinary premises.
• Other premises related to the care and management of dogs.

The draft amended policy proposes to:

• Provide off-lead exercise areas in:

• • Currie – Lighthouse Street – opposite The Hub, Bell Hill fire break and off Parers Street south of the Bicentennial Lookout.
  • Grassy – north of the oval and extending behind Banksia Street.
  • Naracoopa – foreshore area from the boat ramp to Fraser River.

• Arears where dogs must be on lead;

• • Naracoopa Esplanade including the shared pathway.

• Prohibited areas:

Currie

• King Island District School grounds.
• Currie football oval and courts
• King Island Golf and Bowling Club, includes fairways and greens.
• Playgrounds at Lighthouse Street and Memorial Park.

Grassy

• Grassy oval and playground.
• The breakwater at Grassy Harbour.

Naracoopa

• Naracoopa Esplanade barbecue and playground area.

To view the associated documents please click below:

• Declared area maps (where a dog can be exercised off lead and prohibited areas)
• Draft Dog Management Policy
• Previous version of Dog Management Policy and Plan 2019