Does Bega Valley need more dog off-leash areas? Council wants to know your thoughts

Bega Valley Shire Council is reviewing its policies around dog off-leash areas. Photo: ESC.

Does the Bega Valley have enough dog off-leash areas? Does it have too many?

Bega Valley Shire Council has begun reviewing its policies around its current leash-free and controlled dog areas.

As part of this process, it wants to know what residents think about pet recreation areas in the shire and how they use them.

“Do we have enough spaces for pet friendly activities? Do we have too many? What do locals see as the priorities for companion animals when looking to the future?” council asks.

It has launched a short survey for residents to share their thoughts.

“We encourage pet owners and all community members to complete the survey to help us gauge opinions on animal compliance and safety, as well as how current recreation areas such as off-leash areas are used,” council’s manager of certification and compliance Tony Payne said.

“This survey will also provide insight into which ranger services related to pet ownership you find most beneficial and what your priorities are for the future.

“It takes about 10 minutes to complete and asks questions on a diverse range of topics such as owner responsibilities for cats and dogs and community education initiatives.”

Tura Beach is one of the 15 locations in the shire that has an off-leash area. Photo: BVSC.

Currently, there are 15 leash-free areas in the shire.

These can be found at Bega, Bermagui, Cuttagee, Eden, Merimbula, Pambula Beach, Tathra and Tura Beach.

Dogs are also banned from several areas.

You can see a list of the current off-leash areas, as well as the areas where dogs are prohibited, by clicking here.

Through its review process, council’s aims include ensuring most towns have at least one designated off-leash dog area, identifying potential areas for accessible dog off-leash zones and reducing complaints related to companion animals and designated control areas for dogs.

Once all survey responses are reviewed, a report will be presented to council for consideration in April.

To complete the survey or find out more on the Companion Animal Control Area review, including the current policy, visit council’s website. The link to complete the survey can be found at the bottom of the webpage.

The survey closes on 9 March.