Residents tie down dog deal

DOVETON residents have taken the lead with news they will be given their first on leash reserve.
The Kevin Adlard Reserve will soon become a designated on leash area with all dogs required to be walked on leads.
The move came after concerned residents formed a petition calling for the change. This petition was then presented to the council in August.
At Tuesday’s council meeting, officers recommended that an internal consultative committee be convened to consider the residents’ request to designate the Kevin Adlard Reserve as an on leash reserve.
However, Casey councillor Wayne Smith moved that instead of forming a committee, the reserve be changed over to an on leash area. This was supported by a majority of councillors.
Cr Wilson said residents had expressed some concerns about incidents regarding unleashed dogs at the reserve.
He said Doveton did not currently have a designated on leash area and due to resident concerns such a reserve was needed.
Nine residents, including Doveton resident Shirley Reid, signed the petition.
An attached letter stated the signatories wanted to express their concern about dogs running loose at the reserve.
“We are well aware of the serious injuries that result from dog attack,” the letter said.
In the letter, Ms Reid said people needed to be confident that they were safe when enjoying the benefits of the reserve.
The letter also told how, on two occasions, her dog, which she had on a leash, had been attacked by other dogs which were running free.