Effective control of dogs

“Effective control” means that an owner of a dog:

• must be able to get the dog to respond to the owner’s recall commands and return to the owner upon verbal command or hand signal; and
• keeps the dog within 50 metres of the owner so that it is in visual and audible range to allow for effective recall at any time; and
• does not allow the dog to harass, intimidate, worry or behave in an antisocial manner toward another person or animal.

On-leash areas

The owner of a dog must restrain the dog by means of a leash, chain or cord when the dog is in any public place that is not designated by Council as an off leash area. The owner must also ensure that the dog must:

• be restrained on a leash, chain or cord attached to a properly fitted collar, harness or halter, all of which must be in good condition; and
• not be allowed to harass, interfere with or behave in an antisocial manner towards another person or animal; and
• wear a current registration tag; and
• not be left unattended in a public place.

Off-leash areas

• The owner of a dog may exercise the dog off leash in a designated off leash area subject to any specific restrictions or conditions applying to that area.
• When a dog is in a designated off leash area the dog must remain under the effective control of the owner at all times.
• The owner of a dog in an off leash area must:
  • actively supervise the dog and maintain a clear and unobstructed view of the dog at all times; and
  • carry a leash, chain or cord that is in good condition and is able to be placed on the dog when necessary; and
  • make sure that the dog is wearing an appropriately fitted collar, harness or halter with a current registration tag attached; and
  • immediately place the dog on a leash, chain or cord and remove the dog from an off leash area if the dog attacks or behaves aggressively toward another person or animal.
• The owner of a dog in an off leash area must make sure the dog is restrained by a leash, chain or cord when it is:
  • within 5 metres of a playground or barbecue area; and
  • within 5 metres of a footpath, except for the designated Campaspe River Walk in Kyneton and Five Mile Creek Reserve West Walk in Romsey areas during designated off leash times; and
  • when the dog is leaving the off leash area.

Leaving your dog tied up in a public place

Dogs must not be left tied up and unattended outside shops, cafés, schools or other public places, even for a short time.

Leaving a dog unattended can also create safety risks:

• Even a normally friendly dog may react unexpectedly if it feels scared, stressed or overwhelmed.
• Council officers have investigated dog bites involving dogs tied up outside shops and cafés.
• Dogs tied near footpaths, entrances and other busy areas can make access difficult or unsafe for people of all ages and abilities.
• An unattended dog may also be at risk of theft or injury.

The safest option is to keep your dog with you and under effective control whenever you are in a public place.