NEW “dogs on lead” signs will be put up around the City of Maribyrnong in an effort to remind pet owners to clean up after their pets and keep them on leads.
The signs have been painted on bitumen and cement footpaths in parks and reserves where owners usually walk their dogs.
Mayor Michael Clarke said that often owners knew they were breaking the law when they had their dog off-lead, in an area that was meant to be on-lead.
“It’s a very common sight that as soon as our animal management officers approach on foot, or in the ranger’s vehicle, the owner puts their dog on a lead,” he said.
“We’re appealing to dog owners to do the right thing – we have 11 off-lead areas in our city, so if you want to exercise your dog off-lead, take them to one of these areas.”
Dog owners who breach the law can receive an on-the-spot fine of $100 for having a dog off-lead in an on-lead area and face a $200 fine for failing to dispose of their animal’s excrement. For failing to carry a litter-removal device they can be charged another $200.
