Background

By-law 7 Dogs provides Council with the power to apply dog on-leash and dog prohibited areas as the need arises. We have a mature set of controls for dog on-leash, dog prohibited, and dog exercise areas that we are refining.

This review of dog on-leash and prohibited areas responds to feedback received during consultation of our Dog By-law in 2022 and addresses a key requirement of council’s Animal Management Plan. The review proposed changes to the restrictions at 15 sites across council including wetlands, parks and open spaces, and beaches.

Wetlands

The introduction of dogs on-leash restrictions in the wetland areas have been proposed to protect the variety of species of plants and wildlife, some of which are vulnerable or endangered. Requiring dogs on-leash helps to prevent them from interfering with habitats, disturbing nesting birds, chasing wildlife or crushing vegetation. By keeping dogs on-leash, owners can assist in preserving the long-term health of our wetland environments.

Reserves and open spaces

Significant flora species have been identified in the reserves where dogs on-leash restrictions have been proposed. Some of these species are particularly sensitive to ground disturbance from off-leash dogs. The reserves provide important habitat for native wildlife as well as a place for recreation, education, tourism and relaxation.

Christies Beach open markets

Dogs prohibited at the market was a decision and request to Council by the previous Open Market committee to be included in the by-law. The new committee would like to reverse the decision and allow dogs on-leash at the market.

The market is outdoors and welcomes patrons both inside and outside the local area. It is unreasonable to expect patrons to be aware of the by-law.

Beaches and sand dunes

Dogs off-leash can be a nuisance at the beach. Some people have a fear of dogs, particularly off-leash dogs; they can feel intimidated by dog owners aggressively controlling their dogs and have safety concerns for their families and their own dogs.

Historically, a uniform approach was the norm along metropolitan beaches with dogs required to be on-leash between 10am-8pm during daylight savings. However, council has established off-leash exercise areas on many parts of our coastline as well as introducing the state’s first dog prohibited beach at Port Noarlunga.

The South Port sand dunes have fragile sandy soils, are home to threatened flora and wildlife and are of high Aboriginal cultural heritage value. Dogs on-leash will better protect natural resources and ecological processes, wildlife and cultural values.

Engagement on the proposed changes to dog on-leash and prohibited areas was undertaken between 4 March and 3 April 2024.

You can view the information pages used for each of the sites during the community engagement by clicking on the links below.