Dogs on leads unless in a dog-off-leash park

Council is reminding the community of the importance of keeping their dogs on leads when they are out and about in the community, except at a dedicated dog-off-leash park.   Council maintains two dog-off-leash parks in the Gympie region: one at Albert Park and the other at Archery Park, which is on the corner of the Bruce Highway and Cross Street.   Regulatory Services Portfolio holder, Councillor Jess Milne, said that ensuring dogs are on leads at all locations, other than the dog-off-leash parks, is important for community safety.   “Reports show that dog attacks happen when dogs are either not secure in their property and roaming around, or are not on a lead while in our community,” said Cr Milne.   “We know that it may only be one or two dogs that are prone to attack, but it only takes one dog to be triggered in some way for it to potentially hurt another dog or a person.   “Over the past week or so, we have had reports of a significant number of people around Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Cove and Tin Can Bay walking their dogs off leash in non-designated areas, and this is not okay,” she said.   Cr Milne is also reminding residents that Rainbow Beach is not a dedicated dog-off-leash beach and that dogs on leads are only allowed in some areas; signs are located at beach entryways to advise visitors.    “If you are taking your dog to Rainbow Beach, check first that it is allowed, and if it is, then it must be on a lead.”   Council rangers regularly patrol the area and have issued a number of warnings over the last couple of weeks.   To find out more about responsible pet management, click here.