Dog owners are howling their support for off-leash areas as Council considers new guidelines later this month.
Last week CoPP Dog Network members met Mayor Cunsolo and Deputy Mayor Crawford at St Kilda Town Hall to deliver a stack of petitions with 2,469 signatures wrapped creatively in a dog harness.
The petition called for no reduction in off-leash dog spaces or their access hours and a positive plan for new dog off-leash spaces to meet the needs of current and future dog populations.
Louisa Larkin, Dog Network spokesperson said ‘We are simply asking the Council to take into account the needs of dog owners. Having off-leash access to open green spaces and the beaches is not just about the dogs. It’s about our mental and physical well-being. Dog parks enable people to connect and feel part of a supportive community.’
Alex Makin, Dog Network’s steering group member, said ‘Almost 2,500 people across Port Phillip signed this petition representing over 2% of our population. People are passionate about their communities and about the spaces required for dogs.’
Terry Glenane, Dog Owners’ Group of St Kilda President and Dog Network steering group member said, ‘The petition proves to Council that dog owners across Port Phillip value the current off leash spaces and the need for additional spaces as our people and dog populations grow.’
Louisa Larkin said, ‘We are very grateful to Mayor Cunsolo and Deputy Mayor Crawford for taking the time to receive our petition which was wrapped in a dog harness.’
‘The CoPP Dog Network strives to be a positive voice for dog owners across Port Phillip,’ said Louisa Larkin.
Council will consider new Dog’s off-leash guidelines on later this month
Pictured are Cr Crawford, Mayor Cunsulo and Louisa Larkin, Dog Network spokesperson
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