Off-Leash Areas for Dogs


Image of dog being walked off leash

 Dogs in Public Places (1.15MB)

 Dog Management Strategy - Public Reserves (81.58kB)

 

Council recognises that off-leash exercise is something highly desired by dog owners.  It has responded to this by providing several off-leash areas within parks scattered about the Shire. The designated off-leash or free run areas are at the following reserves:

  • Balcombe Heights Reserve, Seven Hills Road, Baulkham Hills
  • Castle Hill Showground (lower dog arenas)
  • Connie Lowe Reserve, Adelphi Street, Rouse Hill (within the fenced area)
  • Coolong Reserve, Coolong Street, Castle Hill (within the fenced area)
  • Crestwood Reserve, Peel Road, Baulkham Hills
  • Dewhurst Avenue Reserve, Castle Hill 
  • Don Moore Reserve, Treeview Place, North Rocks


In all other parks and public places dogs must be on-leash at all times.

Upgrading of the free run areas is in progress and these areas will be designated by a series of bollards or fencing with signs clearly delineating the free run area. Some free run areas may have time restrictions in place to protect the amenity of adjoining residences.

All dogs within a designated off-leash area must be supervised. This person MUST:

  • Be a competent person over 16 years of age
  • Be able to control the dog/s by voice command
  • Remove and dispose of all dog waste
  • Have no more than four dogs under their control
  • Not allow restricted breeds or dogs declared as dangerous to use off-leash areas


Under the terms of the Companion Animals Act (s14) the following public places are prohibited for dogs off OR on-leash:

  • Within 10 metres of children's playground equipment
  • Within 10 metres of food preparation areas such as public barbeques and kiosks
  • Active recreation areas such as sports fields, ovals and courts (during the playing of organised sport)
  • Public bathing areas
  • School grounds unless with the permission of the principal
  • Child care centres unless with the permission of the director
  • Shopping areas unless with permission


Council has also resolved to monitor the presence of dogs in bushland reserves and report any affects upon biodiversity.