Palmerston canine owners are facing the prospect of up to three additional off-lease dog parks being established in the region, after what Palmerston Council said was a successful trial of more parks.

Council’s lifestyle and community director Amelia Vellar said there was only one designated off-lease dog park in Palmerston at Marlow Lagoon pet park, despite there being more than 5600 registered dogs in the region.

She said that in May council trailed two additional temporary off-leash facilities at Maurice Park in Bakewell and Temple Terrace in Gray, which received positive feedback from many residents.

Mr Vellar said the Bakewell location was a strong chance to be converted into a permanent off-leash facility.

“The Maurice Terrace Park temporary off-leash dog exercise area has been popular with dog owners since it opened, as evidenced by feedback to council’s animal education officer,” she said.

“Council staff recommend commencing community consultation to gauge the community’s desire to convert this area to a permanent off-leash dog exercise area.”

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The future of the Temple Terrace temporary off-leash area will also be reviewed, while council will also conduct a report outlining options for a future dog park in the Johnston Zuccoli area.

Ms Vellar said the establishment of additional dog parks had an array of benefits for the community.

“The opportunity to experience a setting devoted to dog and human activity … can counteract the boredom experienced by pets and lack of contact with other dogs,” she said.  

“This can reduce the tendency for barking when dogs are under-exercised, and their owners are absent.

“Socialising dogs at an early age can reduce canine aggression and lead to new friendships and more personable interaction with other people by dog owners.”

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