Off-leash areas and cat curfews
From 1 January 2011, dogs in public places must be kept on a leash at all times except when in designated off-leash areas. A cat curfew has also been introduced so that cats must be kept indoors from dusk to dawn.
Off-leash areas
There are 35 parks and reserves in Maroondah that have been designated as off-leash areas – see the parks listing and map below.
You are welcome to exercise your dog off their leash in these areas, but they must be kept on lead when within 15 metres of:
- playgrounds or children’s play equipment
- public BBQ or picnic facilities
- an organised sporting event match or training session
and at all times while on any shared path.
Areas where no dogs or cats are permitted
Dogs and cats are not permitted in some reserves to protect areas of conservation significance and biodiversity.
Curfew for cats
As of 1 January 2011, cats must be confined to their owner’s property from sunset to sunrise each day – either inside a building or in a properly constructed enclosure.
Map and listing of parks and reserves
The following map and parks listing shows Maroondah’s parks and reserves and where your dog must be on a leash, where it may be off leash and where no dogs are permitted – the numbers on the parks listing relate to the park locations on the map.
Parks listing and map (PDF, 1Mb)
See a listing of Maroondah's parks and dog access as a web page
A pocket-sized map and parks listing is also available - contact us and we'll post one to you.
Cleaning up after your dog
Council requires dog owners to carry appropriate receptacles, such as a bag, pouch or pooper scooper, to remove and dispose of dog waste whenever they are walking their dog in a public place.
It is a good idea to keep your bags/pouches/pooper scoop products with your dog’s lead as a reminder to take them with you when walking your dog.
You can be fined for not cleaning up after your dog.
Council’s Order that defines access for dogs and cats to public places
Order Pursuant to Section 26 (2) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (PDF, 121kb)
Order Pursuant to Section 26 (2) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Doc, 30kb)
