Dog off-leash areas
Off leash areas are spaces where dogs can be exercised without a leash, but must still be under the control of an owner or carer. The Rural City of Murray Bridge values pet ownership and actively promotes responsible pet ownership to benefit the community and wellbeing of pets. The Rural City has installed and maintains signage and doggy-do litter bag stations at off leash parks. Regular exercise with your pet is good for both you and your dog’s health and can be great fun. There’s nothing like an exercise partner who’s waiting by the door with a wagging tail to keep you motivated!
Rules and regulations of off-leash parks
- All dogs off leash must be accompanied by a person at all times.
- The person exercising the dog is responsible for the dog’s actions and must have the dog under effective control at all times.
- A max of 2 dogs per handler is allowed and handlers must be 16 years or older or accompanied by an adult.
- All dogs either on or off leash are required to be identified by a collar and current registration disc.
- It is your responsibility to clean up after your animal. Free doggy-do bags are supplied at the listed off leash locations but always carry a bag just in case.
- Dogs must be on leash when entering and exiting dog off leash areas.
- No other animals except dogs are permitted in these areas.
- Dogs showing signs of aggression must be restrained on leash and removed by handlers immediately.
- Users of designated areas do so at their own risk. The Rural City of Murray Bridge shall not be liable for any injuries or damage caused by any dog(s) in these listed areas.
Dog Off-Leash Time-Share Trial
In 2021-2022 Council undertook a project to investigate Dog Off-Leash opportunities. In accordance with Council’s Animal Management Plan 2020-2025, the project consisted of an investigation into the creation of two additional dog parks in the Rural City of Murray Bridge (one in Murray Bridge East), a review of Council’s existing fenced dog parks and other off-leash opportunities such as time-share arrangements on Council Reserves and riverfront areas. Following the completion of this project, Council endorsed a recommendation to establish time-share arrangements at Tumbella Reserve and Avoca Dell for a trial period of 12-months, at its meeting on Monday 8 August 2022.
The time-share arrangements at Tumbella Reserve and Avoca Dell are applicable between the hours of:
- 6:00am – 9:00am and 5:00pm – 8:00pm during daylight saving and
- 6:00am – 6:00pm during non-daylight saving
An evaluation process will occur at the conclusion of the trial by means of an online survey.
While enjoying these time-share arrangements, please note that all dogs must be under effective control by the person responsible (i.e. the dogs needs to under voice control, within sight of responsible person at all times and able to be recalled).
