Pooch park’s a barking success

By Melissa Grant
PLAYFUL pooches may soon have another place to socialise, with moves afoot to transform part of Pakenham’s Toomuc Creek Reserve into an off-leash dog park.
Residents would be able to let their beloved canines run free at the western side of the creek on weekdays from 7am to 7pm, if councillors give the plan the tick of approval.
Off-leash dog parks have been a barking-mad success in Cardinia, with 11 already established right across the municipality.
Cardinia Dog Group president Ed Kirby, who walks his dogs Abby and Max along the creek each day, welcomed the plan. He can’t wait to let the curly retriever and lively bitser play at the end of their big walk with other pooches in the group. “We have 15 to 16 dogs at a time that are well behaved and have a lot of fun together,” he said.
Mr Kirby urged people to socialise their dogs and extended an open invitation to dog lovers to join the group.
“It’s very important to socialise your dog if you want your dog to have good behaviour,” he said. “If the dog is interacting with dogs in a fun way then the dog’s relaxed.”
Cardinia Shire councillor Collin Ross, the proud owner of a Pomeranian named Snuggles, will move to have the area from the Princes Highway to the railway line declared an off-leash park at Monday’s general council meeting. If approved, the dog park will be subject to a 12-month trial.
Cr Ross said the part of the reserve in question would not be an off-leash area on weekends because of sporting activities at nearby Toomuc Reserve.
Mr Kirby said dog owners needed to look out for people already using the park when letting their canines roam free.
“The big thing is to look after the park and respect one another,” he said.
Off-leash dog parks already established in Pakenham can be found at Don Jackson Reserve, Rotary Park, Lilliput Lane, Simon Drive Reserve and Hammerwood Green Reserve.
Anyone interested in joining the Cardinia Dog Group can call Ed on 0438 413 853.