Toowoomba Regional Council upgrades dog off-leash park

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has upgraded a five-acre facility with improvements to the park in North Ruthven Reserve in Harlaxton now having separate fenced off-leash areas for small and large dogs.

TRC Chair of Environment and Community, Councillor Geoff McDonald said that to help everyone appreciate our outdoor lifestyle, we have designated areas where you can run your dog off its lead.

Councillor McDonald advised “the existing area has been upgraded to improve the safety and usability of the space for dog off-leash use. The newly fenced facility now has two sections for all sized pampered pooches with separate areas for large and small dogs.

“The fully fenced dog off-leash park is a lovely area with plenty of trees, a water fountain with dog bowl attachment and seating for dog owners to enjoy the surroundings.

“There is also the convenience of on-site parking in Eagle Street adjacent to the Ruthven Street North Reserve.

“This park is a great community asset for those that love their pooches, whatever size they are.”

Councillor McDonald added “dog off-leash areas help everyone appreciate the region’s outdoor lifestyle by providing safe areas for dogs to exercise, socialise with other dogs and for owners to practice training techniques.

“In 2012/13 an extensive review including broad community consultation was undertaken to consider which parks were designated as dog off-leash areas, the associated risks of continuing the dog off-leash use, and existing and potential constraints and issues associated with using these areas for dog off-leash use.

“As part of the review and community consultation at the time, a number of park areas were considered and/or approved as dog off-leash areas including the North Ruthven reserve area.

“In the future, subject to budget considerations, Council plans to provide more dog off-leash areas.

“Just a reminder that when dogs are in a public area, owners have a responsibility to keep their pets under control.

“Also, declared dangerous dogs, menacing dogs, prohibited breeds, or female dogs that are in season (on heat) are not permitted in these areas.”

In a dog off-leash area, dog/s:

• Must be effectively controlled.

• Must not attack, menace or worry other persons or animals.

• Must not damage private or public property.

• Must not escape from the off-leash area.

• Must wear a collar and identification tag.

• Must be restrained by a leash outside of these areas at all times.

• Faeces must be removed and disposed of appropriately.