Sheree Deane would like to see an offleash dog park in Pakenham.
By Paul Dunlop
CALLS for an offleash dog park in Pakenham have won plenty of support – and some criticism.
The Gazette reported last week that a local woman, Sheree Deane, and other residents were keen to see an area where they could safely exercise their dogs.
Dog owners say there is currently no place in town where they can exercise their pets unrestricted without breaking the law.
State regulations require dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash outside their own properties.
Several residents have contacted the Gazette backing the bid to establish an offleash park. Others, including dog owners, say it is completely unnecessary.
Local resident Andrea Gwynne said she supported the idea 100 per cent.
“Dogs needs exercise, they need to run. They can run around their own back yard, but they need stimulation every day outside the normal routine, just as people do,” she said.
“It is the kneejerk reaction of authorities to the bad behaviour of irresponsible dog owners who have made it difficult for responsible dog owners to walk their dog in a healthy environment off the leash.”
Ed Kirby said he had been trying for several years to get an offleash area established.
One woman phoned from Garfield saying she would support a park in Pakenham and use it while coming into town to do shopping.
Several residents have admitted they currently flout the law.
But others say the money that would be spent on a dog park could be put towards something far more useful for the community. They say a park is unnecessary.
“I have a large Siberian Husky. I walk him every day and find that this is ample exercise for him,” Pakenham’s Naomi Mason said.
“I am embarrassed to find that there are people in the community who feel it is necessary to have a socalled poochiefriendly park. There are an abundance of pedestrian walkways, which is why a dog lead and collar were invented.”
Council has said it previously considered the idea but decided not to proceed at this stage.
Shire officials say the biggest problem with establishing a fencedoff area in town where pooches could play, away from schools and other populated areas, is: Where?
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