IF there is one way to spark a passionate debate in Fremantle, it’s to talk about dogs – and specifically, tightening the leash on where they can play.

The City of Fremantle has proposed banning dogs, even on leads, from playgrounds and within five metres of play spaces in the City’s parks and reserves as part of a policy and Dog Local Law overhaul.

Fremantle mayor Ben Lawver said the proposal sparked one of the liveliest parts of council’s debate last week and he expects a “passionate” discussion when it goes out for public comment.

“What got the most discussion last night was, we’re asking the community whether or not dogs should be prohibited… on play spaces, playgrounds and within five metres of playgrounds and play spaces.”

• Michael Campbell and his pooch Betty aren’t big fans of a ban on dogs near play spaces, saying education and parental education would be a better way to go. Photo by Steve Grant

Mr Lawver said councillors had quickly run into questions about what exactly counted as a play space.

“City staff have committed to helping define that when it goes out to the community, for their discussion.”

While the proposal is aimed at improving safety, Mr Lawver questioned whether a blanket ban would stop irresponsible owners.

“There’s always bad owners, with bad dogs,” he said.

“Making a blanket rule that dogs are prohibited, even on leads, from playgrounds and play spaces, I don’t think will impact the people that are bad owners.

“They probably tend to be people that won’t look at a sign and go, ‘oh yeah’, so what we’ll see what the community has to say.”

Mr Lawver said the practical impacts of the rule could be significant in some parks.

“In our local park, Jackson loves it. But we’ve got dog water bowl infrastructure less than a metre away from a playground. There will be some things that will obviously need to change if the public say that that’s what they want to do.”

“There is a park in Hilton called Grigg Park, and it’s a dog off-lead exercise area. 

Prohibited

“You look at the playground and the basketball and netball court and the play spaces, and five meters around those would basically leave a little tiny strip for dog exercise, so basically making that a dog prohibited park.”

Local dog owner Michael Campbell said education would be more effective than restrictions.

“I think it should be the responsibility of the parents to educate their children on safe dog interactions and behaviour.”

A parent of two youngsters himself, he says it was important to teach them about approaching dogs carefully.

“I’d say most parents are good in that.

“They will say, ‘Can I pat your dog?’. 

“They won’t just kind of charge up.

“Ask first and wait for the dog to instigate the interaction, rather than you go straight up. 

“I think that’s where some of the issues come from; the dog’s a little bit nervous.”

He said signage in shared spaces could help avoid problems.

“The same way surf breaks have that little thing about respectful behaviours, I think that would solve a lot of problems. 

“Education tends to be the way to solve things, rather than banning things.”

The proposed changes are part of a broader review of the City’s Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Policy and Dog Local Law.

Other changes include dogs being on-lead or prohibited in conservation areas such as Prawn Bay, Rocky Bay and parts of Samson Park, a possible new off-lead area at Rule Street Park in North Fremantle, and clearer rules for beaches, sporting fields and public open space.

The City says the review aims to make its approach to dog access “clear, consistent and fair for everyone who uses these shared spaces”.

Public submissions close at 5pm on Friday May 22.

by STEVE GRANT