FAQs

The updated policy aims to create a clearer and more consistent framework for managing dogs across Fremantle’s parks, public open spaces, beaches and reserves. The review seeks to balance several priorities raised by the community, including equitable access to off-lead exercise areas, public safety, protection of sporting surfaces and facilities, and conservation of natural environments.

The revised policy introduces clearer decision-making criteria for how dog exercise areas are designated, ensuring future decisions consider factors such as the primary use of the space, safety for all users, environmental impacts and the overall balance of dog access across the City. The intended outcome is a policy that the community can easily understand, that Community Safety officers can enforce consistently, and that supports responsible dog ownership while protecting the broader public interest.

Proposed changes are minor and provide clarity for the community by removing redundant provisions. The review was timed to align with a review of the Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Council Policy.

Majority of offence penalties in relation to management of dogs are listed in the Dog Regulations 2013, and can't be dictated by the Local Government further then infringing for the offence (unless specified).

The City of Fremantle Local Laws relating to dogs last major review was in 2001 with the inclusion of Part 4 (kennel establishments) and part 5 (impounding). 

From 1 November 2013 the Dog Amendment Act removed local governments' ability to make local laws that establish dog exercise areas and prohibit dogs absolutely from areas. This resulted in the local law being further amended in 2014, and the adoption of the Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Council Policy.

The current Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Council Policy lacks the criteria for a consistent approach to be applied for the decision of specifying a dog exercise or prohibited area, making it challenging for Council to make decisions that offer the best outcome for the broader community. It also lacks information for members of the community who seek changes to these areas, sometimes unaware of the various influences that go into decision making.

The criteria still allow for discretion, but clearly articulates the key influences impacting the decision. These include: 

• The safety of all users of the areas; 
• The impact on the natural environment; 
• The primary use of the area; and 
• The balance of areas in the district. 

Originally adopted in October 2018, replacing a previous council policy adopted in July 2014 with the following notable changes:

• The removal of the circular park opposite Freeman Loop, North Fremantle as a dog prohibited area, allowing it to be a dog on-lead area.
• Included a definition of a sporting event to allow a hybrid approach to areas such as Stevens Reserve, Bruce Lee Reserve, and Hilton Park.
• The creation of specific dog prohibited areas at Stevens Reserve and Hilton Park to protect the integrity of the turf.

The policy has also since been reviewed on:

• 9 February 2022, with no changes made.
• 9 November 2022, with Stevens Street Reserve included as a dog exercise area.

Yes. One of the key aims of the policy update is to make dog access rules clearer and easier to understand. The revised policy introduces three simple categories that apply across the City:

• Dog exercise areas where dogs can be off-lead

• On-lead areas where dogs must be controlled on a leash

• Dog prohibited areas where dogs are not permitted

Under the draft policy, any public place that is not specifically listed as off-lead or prohibited is considered an on-lead area.

This provides a clear default rule and removes ambiguity about locations not explicitly listed in the policy. The City also plans to improve signage and education materials to help residents and visitors easily identify the rules in each area.

What is being updated?

The draft Dog Policy:

• Clearly identifies dog exercise (off-lead) areas
• Clearly identifies dog prohibited areas
• Confirms all other public places are on-lead
• Establishes decision-making criteria for how areas are classified
• Aligns dog access with land management priorities
• Strengthens education around responsible dog ownership

Key proposed changes:

• Dogs on-lead or prohibited in natural areas where conservation is the primary priority (including Prawn Bay, Rocky Bay, and parts of Samson Park)
• Clearer and more consistent approach across all land types
• Strengthened focus on responsible dog ownership and education
• Proposed off-lead area at Rule Street Park (subject to approvals)
• No dogs in playgrounds (including in a 5-metre buffer zone)

The draft policy proposes that dogs be prohibited in playgrounds and play spaces, including in a 5-metre buffer zone around playground equipment. This change is intended to prioritise child safety and hygiene in areas specifically designed for children. Playgrounds are some of the most heavily used spaces in local parks, and separating dog activity from these areas reduces the potential for conflict, dog bites or accidents involving young children.

Playground or Play Space is an area set aside/ designated for outdoor recreation and play, typically incorporating fixed or non‑fixed children’s play equipment, nature‑based or informal play elements and may include sand, rubber, bark, grass, or another impact‑attenuating (soft‑fall) surface.

As stated under the Dog Act 1976 – SECT 8, Guide and Assistance Dogs are allowed access to everywhere their handler goes – and this includes dogs in training.

The change also responds to community feedback about concerns with dog waste, hygiene and dogs running through playground equipment areas. Establishing a small buffer around play equipment creates a clearer and easier-to-understand boundary between play areas and general park areas where dogs may still be permitted. This approach is consistent with policies used by many local governments across Australia.

Some natural areas and foreshore environments are proposed to become on-lead or prohibited areas to better protect sensitive ecological environments and wildlife habitat. Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally disturb wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds or species that rely on foreshore or bushland environments.

Introducing on-lead requirements in these areas allows the community to continue enjoying these spaces with their dogs while reducing environmental impacts. This approach aligns dog access with the primary land management objective of these spaces, which is conservation and protection of biodiversity.

As per the recently adopted Samson Park Masterplan & Management Plans, a section of bushland in the park has been designated dog-prohibited to aid in environmental conservation and rehabilitation of the degraded bushland.

Some locations are proposed to change classification to better reflect their primary use, environmental values, or safety considerations.

Key proposed updates include:

• Dog prohibited areas:
  1. Playgrounds and play spaces (including in a 5-metre buffer zone) 
  2. Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre grounds
  3. Sir Frederick Samson Park (conservation areas)
• Dog exercise areas (off-lead):
  1. 36 Rule Street (replacing Rocky Bay Reserve)
• Other adjustments:
  1. Some areas will move from dog exercise to on-lead or prohibited to protect bushland, turf, or conservation areas

Details and maps of all proposed changes are available via the Key Documents section.

The City recognises that Fremantle is a dog-loving community and values the role dogs play in people’s lives. The policy review does not change the City’s commitment to providing accessible dog exercise areas across Fremantle.

The review does not change:

• The City’s support for off-lead exercise areas
• Access to designated dog exercise areas across parks and beaches
• The expectation that dog owners remain responsible for their dog’s behaviour at all times
• The prioritisation of organised sporting activities on sports fields when authorised events are taking place

The goal of this review is not to reduce opportunities for dog exercise, but to provide greater clarity and consistency in how shared spaces are managed.

As stated under the Dog Act 1976 – SECT 8, Guide and Assistance Dogs are allowed access to everywhere their handler goes – and this includes dogs in training. 

Community consultation will help the City understand how residents feel about the proposed changes and whether the draft policy strikes the right balance between dog access, public safety and environmental protection. Feedback collected through the MySay survey, written submissions and discussions will be reviewed by City officers and used to refine the draft policy and amendment local law where appropriate.

Once consultation is complete, a final version will be prepared and presented to Council for consideration. Council will decide whether to adopt the updated policy and amendment local law. If adopted, the City will then implement updated signage, communication and education materials to help the community understand the new rules.

The Dog Policy works alongside the Dog Act 1976, Dog Regulations 2013, and the City’s Local Laws, which are enforced by Community Safety officers. Clearer definitions and classification of areas under the updated policy will help officers apply the rules more consistently and fairly. The aim of the review is not only to strengthen enforcement but also to improve voluntary compliance by making expectations clearer for dog owners.

The City is also focusing on education and responsible dog ownership as part of this review. Clear signage, public information and community awareness will support people to understand their responsibilities, including keeping dogs under effective control, respecting other park users and protecting the environment.