There are nine designated off-leash areas across the city for dogs, including enclosed agility tracks at Lake Albert and Gobbagombalin. Photo: Damedeeso.
Wagga City Council is urging residents to keep their dogs on a leash at all times to prevent injuries and scaring native animals.
Residents can, however, let their canines run free of leashes in designated off-leash areas.
Council reports that dogs have been found off their leashes harassing native wildlife at Wagga Zoo and Aviary and at Marrambidya.
Wagga Zoo and Aviary curator Wendy McNamara said dog owners who let their canines run up and down the boundary fence line that backs onto the Willans Hill Reserve was a concern.
“I recently had some people letting their large dog chase the swamp wallabies and emus up and down the fence while they watched on,” Ms McNamara said.
“I had to tell the people that this was clearly distressing to the animals and asked if they would please move on – when the animals are stressed and running into the fences, it can cause them serious injury.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time this has happened.”
Recently zoo staff discovered one of the swamp wallabies had sustained injuries to its left eye and ear.
The zoo staff aren’t sure what had caused the injuries but they believe it may be from the wallaby fleeing from the dogs from the other side of the fence.
Council said the zoo’s swamp wallaby and emu enclosures back onto Willans Hill therefore dog owners walking near the zoo must always keep their dogs on their leash to prevent the zoo animals from becoming frightened and injuring themselves while fleeing.
Willans Hill has a designated off-leash area which is restricted to a section along the ridgeline from Lord Baden Powell Drive to Red Hill Road.
However, the remainder of the sanctuary is an on-leash area.
Council’s manager environment and regulatory services Mark Gardiner said Marrambidya Wetland was also facing similar issues of dogs off the leash.
This swamp wallaby is recovering after sustaining injuries to her left eye and ear. Photo: Wagga City Council.
“The wetland is also an on-leash area, so it’s imperative that your dog stays on its leash while you’re there,” Mr Gardiner said.
“Dogs who are running around off leash present many potential impacts at the wetlands, including harming bird and animal life by trampling nests, frightening birds which can cause them to abandon their nest, and actually attacking animals.
“Letting your dog run around also impacts other people’s enjoyment of the wetlands, including other dog owners with their animals on leash, and parents of small children.”
Mr Gardiner urged residents to keep their dogs leashed.
“They’ll enjoy their walk and no one will get hurt,” he said.
“If you want your dog to be able to run off leash, please take them to one of our off-leash parks.”
Wagga City Council has provided nine designated off-leash areas across the city for dogs.
These include: Narrung Street, Wilks Park, O’Halloran Park Dog Agility Track, Lake Albert Boat Club, Forest Hill, Wiradjuri Reserve, part of Explorer Park in Boorooma and Gobbagombalin.
These locations are areas where dogs can run, exercise and socialise leash free with other dogs and dog park visitors.
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