Parkes Shire Council is reminding residents that dogs are now prohibited at Harrison Park, Woodward Oval and Keast Park, with patrols to be conducted over the coming weeks to ensure the new restrictions are observed.
Updated signage has been installed at each of the three sporting fields advising visitors of the prohibition and the penalties that apply. Under the Local Government Act 1993, people who fail to comply with the prohibition may face on-the-spot fines, with penalties of up to $1,100.
Rangers will have the authority to issue infringement notices to anyone found breaching the prohibition.
"These patrols are about ensuring everyone understands the new rules and helping protect our sporting fields for the thousands of players, families and volunteers who use them each year. We ask all dog owners to respect the new restrictions and make use of the many other parks and open spaces available across the Shire," said Parkes Shire Mayor Neil Westcott.
The decision to prohibit dogs at Harrison Park, Woodward Oval and Keast Park was endorsed by Council at its June meeting following a six-week community consultation and ongoing concerns raised by local sporting groups about dog waste on playing surfaces.
"Council acknowledges the concerns raised by responsible dog owners and recognises the importance of providing suitable spaces where dogs can be exercised," the Mayor said.
He added that Council is currently investigating several other larger locations for off leash areas, both fenced and open in a variety of areas across town.
The six-week public consultation attracted 51 submissions from community members. Feedback highlighted concerns about hygiene, public safety, the impact of dog waste on organised sport, and ongoing compliance with existing regulations.
Residents are reminded that dogs are still welcome in many other public open spaces throughout the Parkes Shire, provided owners comply with the relevant regulations. These include keeping dogs under effective control, cleaning up after them, and observing leash requirements or designated off-leash areas where applicable.
