Section 26 On-leash Order

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Consultation has now concluded, thank you for your feedback.

At the end of 2024, we asked the Mitchell Shire Community how they felt about the introduction of an On-Leash Order for dogs in public places. 

We had a fantastic response with over 700 members of our community taking the time to share their experiences, comments, and opinions on this important aspect of living in Mitchell Shire. 

A large majority of responses came from dog owners, with over 90% of respondents saying they owned a dog, and 85% indicating that they regularly used or visited public places and parks. 

A whopping 68% of respondents said that they supported the introduction of an On-Leash Order with many of you sharing your experiences with off-leash dogs that had caused you concern or prevented you from using playgrounds and parks. 

We also heard that our community values responsible pet ownership and fair access to appropriate spaces to provide exercise and enrichment opportunities for family pets. 

 Many comments centred around providing clarity about the management of dogs in township areas, residential areas, playgrounds, green spaces and sporting venues.

At the same time, we have listened to important sectors of our community, such as the farming community, as to how an On-Leash Order may impact their ability to conduct their normal daily activities.  

As a result, Mitchell Shire Council has endorsed the introduction of an On-Leash Order from 1 July 2025.  This order – Mitchell Shire Council Dog Control Order No. 1 – has been made under the provisions of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 Section 26.

 Key Provisions of Dog Control Order No. 1: Effective 1 July 2025 view document here

  • Dogs will be required to be on-leash in all public places unless in a designated off-leash area or fenced dog park.
  • Dogs must not enter fenced playgrounds or come within 10 metres of an unfenced playground.
  • Off-leash dogs must be under ‘effective control’, meaning they:
    • Remain within 50 metres of their owner.
    • Respond immediately to recall commands.
    • Do not harass or intimidate people or animals.
  • Owners must carry a leash at all times when in off-leash areas.
  • Dogs must be on-leash during scheduled events such as markets, sports games, or training whether that be sports-related or other.
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog at all times.
  • There is an exemption for working dogs which are actively engaged in the movement of livestock

Information

For further information please call Adam Evans on (03) 5734 6200 or email adam.evans@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au





At the end of 2024, we asked the Mitchell Shire Community how they felt about the introduction of an On-Leash Order for dogs in public places. 

We had a fantastic response with over 700 members of our community taking the time to share their experiences, comments, and opinions on this important aspect of living in Mitchell Shire. 

A large majority of responses came from dog owners, with over 90% of respondents saying they owned a dog, and 85% indicating that they regularly used or visited public places and parks. 

A whopping 68% of respondents said that they supported the introduction of an On-Leash Order with many of you sharing your experiences with off-leash dogs that had caused you concern or prevented you from using playgrounds and parks. 

We also heard that our community values responsible pet ownership and fair access to appropriate spaces to provide exercise and enrichment opportunities for family pets. 

 Many comments centred around providing clarity about the management of dogs in township areas, residential areas, playgrounds, green spaces and sporting venues.

At the same time, we have listened to important sectors of our community, such as the farming community, as to how an On-Leash Order may impact their ability to conduct their normal daily activities.  

As a result, Mitchell Shire Council has endorsed the introduction of an On-Leash Order from 1 July 2025.  This order – Mitchell Shire Council Dog Control Order No. 1 – has been made under the provisions of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 Section 26.

 Key Provisions of Dog Control Order No. 1: Effective 1 July 2025 view document here

  • Dogs will be required to be on-leash in all public places unless in a designated off-leash area or fenced dog park.
  • Dogs must not enter fenced playgrounds or come within 10 metres of an unfenced playground.
  • Off-leash dogs must be under ‘effective control’, meaning they:
    • Remain within 50 metres of their owner.
    • Respond immediately to recall commands.
    • Do not harass or intimidate people or animals.
  • Owners must carry a leash at all times when in off-leash areas.
  • Dogs must be on-leash during scheduled events such as markets, sports games, or training whether that be sports-related or other.
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog at all times.
  • There is an exemption for working dogs which are actively engaged in the movement of livestock

Information

For further information please call Adam Evans on (03) 5734 6200 or email adam.evans@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au





Consultation has now concluded, thank you for your feedback.

  • Community Consultation

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    Consultation for the development of the Mitchell Shire Council Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) 2021 – 2025 you told us you were concerned about dogs 'at large' (not confined to their owner's property and without an owner present) and dog attacks that occurred when dogs were off-leash in public places.

    As a result of your feedback we included a number of strategies in the Domestic Animal Management Plan to address these concerns.

    Strategies that were included as part of Outcome 11 of the Plan included increasing the number of fenced off leash parks available to dog owners across the Shire, along with considering the introduction of a Section 26 Order (On Leash Order) that would mean that all dogs would need to be on leash in township areas.

    We want to check back in with the community to see if this is still something you would like us to put in place.

    Although the strategy talks about an On-Leash Order that would apply only in township areas, Council is considering introducing a Shire-wide On-Leash Order which would reduce confusion for both dog owners and the public. This would mean that all dogs would need to be on a leash in public places, or when outside of their owner's property.

    If a Shire-wide Section 26 Order was to be enacted, dogs would still be allowed off leash in designated off leash areas and in fenced dog parks across the municipality, ensuring that dog owners are still able to exercise their dogs off leash if they choose.


    How you can get involved

    Your feedback is invaluable to us. Whether it's through our online survey, a written submission, or a face-to-face discussion at one of our community pop ups, we're listening.

    This is your opportunity to tell us whether or not you support the introduction of the order, you can give us your feedback in the following ways:

    • Online complete a short survey
    • Pick one up a copy from one of our Customer and Library Service Centres
    • Write to us at Mitchell Shire Council, Reply Paid 70358, 113 High Street, Broadford, Vic, 3658 (no stamp required)
    • Come and speak to us at one of our 'In-Person' Sessions
      • Wallan Library - 1-2pm on Wednesday 20th November
      • Broadford Library - 2-3pm on Tuesday 26th November
      • Kilmore Library - 10-11am on Wednesday 4th December
      • Seymour Library - 10-11am on Thursday 12th December