Proposed changes to dogs on leash requirements along Linear Park

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Consultation has concluded

Council decision/outcomes

During the consultation period 807 responses were received regarding the proposed changes. Of these responses, and in relation to the proposed option to keep dogs on leash at all times, 58% (472 people) indicated they opposed, 41% (330 people) were in support and 1% (5 people) were neutral.

In relation to the proposed option to keep dogs on leash between the hours of 10am to 4pm, 64% (519 people) indicated they were opposed, 26% (213 people) were in support and 9% (75 people were neutral). It was noted that some people provided conditions or caveats to their response to this option.

At its meeting on Tuesday 25 August, Council considered the Council Report and feedback received from the community and made the decision that the current status of dogs off leash/on leash areas on Linear Park remain unchanged.

Council report (notice, agenda and community engagement outcomes report) and minutes

Read the community engagement outcomes report (in three parts due to file size):

Background

Council’s Dog By-law sets out the management and control of dogs within the City of Tea Tree Gully, including dog free areas, dog on leash areas and designated dog exercise areas.

Currently there is a mixture of ‘dogs off leash’ and ‘dogs on leash’ areas along Linear Park.

In 2015 the City of Tea Tree Gully consulted with the community to seek feedback on a proposal to change the majority of the Linear Park section within the City of Tea Tree Gully (up to The Promenade, Highbury) to be dogs on leash at all times.

After having considered community feedback, Council decided in a meeting in early 2016 that the current status of dogs off leash/on leash areas on Linear Park remain unchanged.

The proposal

Since the last consultation process, in 2015 there has been a heightened community concern around dogs attacking while off leash. Therefore it's appropriate for Council to review whether public opinion has changed in relation to dogs off leash/on leash in the City of Tea Tree Gully section of Linear Park.

Council is proposing to change the section of Linear Park within the City of Tea Tree Gully, as described below to be dogs on leash:

  • at all times

or

  • between 10:00am and 4:00pm (and allowed off leash outside of this time)

This area covers the northern side of River Torrens Linear Park that extends from Pecan Close Park in Highbury to Council’s boundary with Port Adelaide Enfield Council, approximately 200m west of Yaralinda Street in Dernancourt.

To get involved and have your say:

  • View the Information Sheet and the Linear Park map for more details
  • Complete the online feedback form
  • Come along to the onsite 'coffee and chat' session on Saturday 14 March. Meet us near the car park at the end of The Promenade, Highbury. Drop in anytime between 9.30-11.30am
  • Ask a question in the Q&A tool


Council decision/outcomes

During the consultation period 807 responses were received regarding the proposed changes. Of these responses, and in relation to the proposed option to keep dogs on leash at all times, 58% (472 people) indicated they opposed, 41% (330 people) were in support and 1% (5 people) were neutral.

In relation to the proposed option to keep dogs on leash between the hours of 10am to 4pm, 64% (519 people) indicated they were opposed, 26% (213 people) were in support and 9% (75 people were neutral). It was noted that some people provided conditions or caveats to their response to this option.

At its meeting on Tuesday 25 August, Council considered the Council Report and feedback received from the community and made the decision that the current status of dogs off leash/on leash areas on Linear Park remain unchanged.

Council report (notice, agenda and community engagement outcomes report) and minutes

Read the community engagement outcomes report (in three parts due to file size):

Background

Council’s Dog By-law sets out the management and control of dogs within the City of Tea Tree Gully, including dog free areas, dog on leash areas and designated dog exercise areas.

Currently there is a mixture of ‘dogs off leash’ and ‘dogs on leash’ areas along Linear Park.

In 2015 the City of Tea Tree Gully consulted with the community to seek feedback on a proposal to change the majority of the Linear Park section within the City of Tea Tree Gully (up to The Promenade, Highbury) to be dogs on leash at all times.

After having considered community feedback, Council decided in a meeting in early 2016 that the current status of dogs off leash/on leash areas on Linear Park remain unchanged.

The proposal

Since the last consultation process, in 2015 there has been a heightened community concern around dogs attacking while off leash. Therefore it's appropriate for Council to review whether public opinion has changed in relation to dogs off leash/on leash in the City of Tea Tree Gully section of Linear Park.

Council is proposing to change the section of Linear Park within the City of Tea Tree Gully, as described below to be dogs on leash:

  • at all times

or

  • between 10:00am and 4:00pm (and allowed off leash outside of this time)

This area covers the northern side of River Torrens Linear Park that extends from Pecan Close Park in Highbury to Council’s boundary with Port Adelaide Enfield Council, approximately 200m west of Yaralinda Street in Dernancourt.

To get involved and have your say:

  • View the Information Sheet and the Linear Park map for more details
  • Complete the online feedback form
  • Come along to the onsite 'coffee and chat' session on Saturday 14 March. Meet us near the car park at the end of The Promenade, Highbury. Drop in anytime between 9.30-11.30am
  • Ask a question in the Q&A tool


Consultation has concluded

Ask us a question about the proposed changes to dogs on leash requirements along Linear Park in the City of Tea Tree Gully, and we will get back to you.







  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    To enable a objective review of the current situation would it not be important to have supportive data of actual or possible attacks and the location of where each incident occurred to pin point any hot spots on the Linear Park and the numbers of persons who have expressed concern re dogs off leash. Do you have any factual evidence that you can relay to the community regarding the points I have raised, if not my opinion is that this matter should have never proceeded past the Council meeting it was raised at.

    Aker asked about 4 years ago

    Good Morning Aker, 

    Thank you for engaging  and your question.

    This data is for the River Torrens area in the City of Tea Tree Gully

    2017/2018 Financial Year, 3 Attacks and 3 Harrass for a total of 6 incidents

    2018/2019 Financial Year, 3 Attacks for a total of 3 incidents

    2019/2020 Financial Year( to date), 2 Attacks and 1 Harrass for a total of 3 incidents.

    I will seek the information as to if a described  location along Linear Park, in the City of Tea Tree Gully was recorded on the reports and post this information or that this information is not available as soon as the Project team has this information

    Kind regards, Alison

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    There is NO proposal to LEAVE it as it is right now i e is OFF LEASH AT ALL times. Why is this not a choice???

    Jean McGuire asked about 4 years ago

    Good morning Jean, 

    Thank you for engaging  and your question.

    There are  6 options to express your opinion on each of the two part proposal ranging from strongly oppose to strongly support and a neutral etc.

    This enables capture of those who really want off leash, really want on leash, don’t care or can’t decide. The data collected in this way provides the information for the proposal as outlined by Council

    The Community Engagement strategy was prepared in accordance with the Council report 12 November 2019.- This report does not suggest engagement taking place on dogs off leash but the two options of dogs on leash,  at all times or dogs on leash between 10am and 4pm.We cannot create alternative leash requirements( questions) on or off because of this document. 

    The Council report is on the Engagement HQ website( Opportunity to Have Your Say)

    Kind regards, Alison

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    Why does the proposed new Linear Park dog leash law change(s) not provide the option for maintaining the status quo?

    RobertB asked about 4 years ago

    Good morning Robert,

    Thank you for engaging  and your question. 

    There are  6 options to express your opinion on each of the two part proposal ranging from strongly oppose to strongly support and a neutral etc.

    This enables capture of those who really want off leash, really want on leash, don’t care or can’t decide. The data collected in this way provides the information for the proposal as outlined by Council

    The Community Engagement strategy was prepared in accordance with the Council report 12 November 2019.- This report does not suggest engagement taking place on dogs off leash but the two options of dogs on leash,  at all times or dogs on leash between 10am and 4pm.We cannot create alternative leash requirements( questions) on or off because of this document. 

    The Council report is on the Engagement HQ website( Opportunity to Have Your Say)

    Once again thank you for engaging and asking a question. Please send through other questions or concerns as all responses with regard to the proposed changes to dogs on leash requirements are collated for the Council report.

    Kind regards, Alison

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    Why does the proposal not include NO CHANGE? Seems a bit twisted towards what you th cncl want and not the community at all. 3 incidents in 12 mths. How many people and dogs use the park in a year? I am sure the percentage of incidents would be considered insignificant in relation to the numbers of users. This is a waste of tax payers money.

    Jean McGuire asked about 4 years ago

    Good morning Jean, 

    Thank you for engaging and your question. The selection of response  to the two proposals does give opportunity to put your preference for no change.

    The Community Engagement strategy was prepared in accordance with the Council report 12 November 2019.- This report does not suggest engagement taking place on dogs off leash but the two options of dogs on leash,  at all times or dogs on leash between 10am and 4pm.We cannot create alternative leash requirements( questions) on or off because of this document. There are  6 options to express your opinion on each of the two part proposal ranging from strongly oppose to strongly support and a neutral etc.

    This enables capture of those who really want off leash, really want on leash, don’t care or can’t decide. The data collected in this way provides the information for the proposal as outlined by Council

    The Council report  is on the Engagement HQ website( Opportunity to Have Your Say)

    Once again thank you for engaging and asking a question. Please send through other questions or concerns as all responses with regard to the proposed changes to dogs on leash requirements are collated for the Council report.

    Kind regards, Alison

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    Further to a request for information of dog attacks in which data for the last 4 ears was provided i.e. 2015-2016 – 4, 2016-2017 – 1, 2017–2018 – 6, 2018–2019 - 3 Could you please provide a further breakdown. I appreciate this requires looking at each file. Depending on how long it takes could it be done for 2017-18, 2018-19 as a minimum. I would like to know specifically: - how many of these incidents occurred along the River Torrens Linear Park. - how many were actual attacks and how many were harassment (River Torrens Linear Park only). Finally, could you also include the first two months of 2020 (River Torrens Linear Park only).

    TrevorK asked about 4 years ago

    Good afternoon Trevor, 

    This data is for the River Torrens area in the City of Tea Tree Gully

    2017/2018 Financial Year, 3 Attacks and 3 Harrass for a total of 6 incidents

    2018/2019 Financial Year, 3 Attacks for a total of 3 incidents

    2019/2020 Financial Year( to date), 2 Attacks and 1 Harrass for a total of 3 incidents.

    Kind regards, Alison

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    Having a dog on the lead as proposed may make owners aware of their dogs leaving their droppings and not picking it up by the owner.

    Graham Logan asked about 4 years ago

    Hi Graham

    Thanks for your involvement and comments.

    If you haven't already, we encourage you to provide your feedback and comments via our online feedback form.

    Kind regards, Sarah


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    As pet ownership continues to increase (whist housing sizes decrease) there is 'Heightened Community Fulfillment' with progressive pet-friendly developments, pet-friendly spaces including cafes, pet-friendly accommodation, pet-friendly workplaces etc etc...in general, these subjects have received more publicity over recent years than they have in the past. It would be a shame for Tea Tree Gully to go backwards in this space. So many more benefits for both humans and dogs to be exercised off leash.

    Renae Bryan asked about 4 years ago

    Hi Renae

    Thanks for your involvement and comments.

    If you haven't already, we encourage you to provide your feedback and comments via our online feedback form.

    Kind regards, Sarah

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    I have searched for details of recent dog attacks in the Linear Park. There are few reported. I have noted your statistics. The real problem here is the BREED of dog, as well as irresponsible dog owners. Take the pit bull terrier: It was bred initially to fight other dogs in a pit. That breed should never be off lead. Why would one want to own such an animal? Not allowing registration of dangerous breeds may solve the problem.

    Margaret Northcote asked about 4 years ago

    Hi Margaret

    Thank you for your involvement and your comments. In response:

    Dog attacks within the City of Tea Tree Gully are not concentrated on one breed or a small number of specific breeds. All breeds are capable of harassing or attacking people or other animals.

    If you haven't already, we encourage you to provide your feedback and comments via our online feedback form.

    Kind regards, Sarah

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    Hi, I run my own dog walking business and am very interested to know the reason behind the proposed change to off leash walking in Tea Tree Gully. I walk in this area several times a day and have done for the last 5 years and have never had an issue with aggressive dogs and none of my dog clients are aggressive. I would be grateful if you could provide me with information and evidence on the increase of reported attacks and also the definiton of word attack as I have read all the relating information and can find no relation to actual facts about said dog attacks and the safety of other users? Thank you.

    Jo asked about 4 years ago

    Good Afternoon, 

    Thank you for your involvement and questions

    Over the time since our last review of this area there has been substantially more media coverage and comment in social media in regard to dog attacks. Linear Park is a high volume shared use area for the public. On this basis it was thought reasonable to review the current situation to determine if the public view had changed.

    A person who owns or is responsible for the control of a dog is guilty of an offence if the dog attacks, harasses or chases or otherwise endangers the health of a person or an animal or bird owned by or in the charge of another person (whether or not actual injury is caused). Section 44 (2) Dog and Cat Management Act 1995

    Dog Attack Information Sheet, City of Tea Tree Gully

    Kind regards, Alison Wilson


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    Hi, I'd like to ask on what basis this proposal has been forwarded. Has there been a significant and measurable increase in dog "attacks"? What is your definition of "attack"? I'd like to see the figures supporting the need for the change at all. In the summary you talk about "heightened community concern" around dogs attacking whilst off leash, is there any basis for this concern? I'm more concerned about getting harassed and hit by speeding cyclists than dogs off leash whilst walking along Linear Park, I think that is a bigger problem.

    DMAC asked about 4 years ago

    Good Afternoon DMAC, 

    Thank you for your involvement and questions.

    To respond to your questions, I have numbered them;

    (1) Over the time since our last review of this area there has been substantially more media coverage and comment in social media in regard to dog attacks. Linear Park is a high volume shared use area for the public. On this basis it was thought reasonable to review the current situation to determine if the public view had changed.

    (2) Yes.These are the numbers of attack/harassments last 4 years

      2015-2016 – 4

      2016-2017 – 1

      2017–2018 – 6

      2018–2019 - 3

    (3) The response each person has to an incident with a dog or dog owner varies. The Council Dog Attack  Information Sheet states "A dog attack is when a dog attacks, harasses, chases or otherwise endangers the health of a person or an animal or bird owned by or in the charge of another person, regardless of whether an actual injury occurs.

    Section 44 (2) Dog and Cat Management Act 1995

    (4)The term heightened refers to the fact that dog attacks in general have received more publicity over recent years than they have in the past. The growth in the use of social media has also been substantial and has also increased this general awareness.

    We don’t have data on possible attacks or numbers of people who have expressed concern.

    Kind regards, Alison Wilson