Parkes Shire Council has renewed calls for pet owners to take the lead and brush up on the requirements and regulations associated with owning an animal.
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The 'Take The Lead' campaign aims to proactively raise awareness about pet ownership including:
- Ensuring your dog is kept safely at your property
- Dog effectively controlled in public places
- Picking up after your pet
- Microchipping, registration and identification
- Vaccination, worming and de-sexing
- Off-leash areas in Parkes
- Council's ranger services
In an effort to educate pet owners of their obligations and encourage them to pick up after their pets, Council installed a number of dispensers with free biodegradable waste bags at key locations throughout Parkes, including the dog park at Kelly Reserve, the off leash area at Spicer Park and along the walking track at Lions Park and Harrison Oval.
Parkes Shire Councillor Bill Jayet says while there has been improvement, Parkes residents can do even more.
"Our public parks, sporting grounds and recreation spaces should be there for everyone to enjoy safely. Dog waste carries disease-causing bacteria and parasites which can stay in the soil for years. By not picking up after your dog, you're putting other people and animals at risk," says Cr Jayet.
Under the Local Government Act, it is an offence to not immediately remove and properly dispose of dog waste and can incur a Penalty Infringement Notice of $275 where Rangers observe the offence. It is also an offence to take your dog onto a public area under the control of Council that has signage restricting the access of dogs. This can also incur a Penalty Infringement Notice of $110.
Rangers carry out proactive patrols around Parkes, targeting problem areas.
Head to Council's website for more information or pick up a Take The Lead pocket guide from Council's Administration Centre or Parkes Veterinary Clinic.
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