Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Policy & Local Law Review

We’re reviewing the City of Fremantle’s Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Policy and the Local Laws relating to dogs. Whether you own a dog or not, we want your input!

Fremantle is a dog-friendly city, and we recognise the important role dogs play in many people’s lives. At the same time, our public spaces are shared by many different users and must also protect environmental values, community safety and recreational activities. The existing Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Policy was adopted in 2018 and last updated in 2022. While this policy currently identifies where dogs are allowed off-lead or prohibited, it does not clearly explain how decisions about these areas are made. This has made it difficult for the community and Council to understand how locations are assessed or why some requests for changes may not be supported.

Over the past several years, the City has also received ongoing feedback from the community about dog access, safety and responsible dog ownership in Fremantle's public open spaces. This feedback has helped City officers better understand community expectations and identify opportunities to improve how dog areas are managed. The amended draft Dog Exercise and Prohibited Areas Council Policy proposes updates aimed to improve clarity, consistency and transparency in how dog access areas are managed across the City. These changes aim to make it easier for everyone in the community to understand where dogs can be exercised, how decisions are made and what is expected when using shared public spaces.

In summary, the Dog Policy & Local Law Review focuses on:

• Introducing clearer criteria to guide decisions about dog exercise areas and dog prohibited areas
• Providing clearer definitions of off-lead, on-lead and dog prohibited areas
• Improving alignment between the Council Policy and on-ground signage
• Clarifying how areas such as sporting fields, beaches, playgrounds and conservation areas are managed
• Providing clearer guidance to support responsible dog ownership
• Updating outdated local law provisions (not pre-set by the Dog Regulations 2013)
  

What is being updated? The amended draft Dog Policy proposes the following key 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)
• Proposed off-lead area at Rule Street Park, North Fremantle (subject to approvals)
  
• Clearer and more consistent approach to dog management across public open space land types
• No dogs in playgrounds (including in a 5-metre buffer zone)

The review of the Council Policy is also happening alongside a review of the City’s Local Laws relating to dogs to ensure both documents remain up to date and provide consistent guidance.

As a result of the Council decision made at the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on 25 March 2026, the City of Fremantle proposes to make the City of Fremantle Dogs Amendment Local Law 2026. The purpose and effect of this local law is as follows:

Purpose: Amend the City of Fremantle Local Laws relating to dogs (Principal Local Law), to remove redundant provisions and update clauses and definitions to align with current operations.

Effect: The City of Fremantle Local Laws relating to dogs are amended.

Your feedback will help inform the final policy and local law before they are presented to Council for consideration.

How can the community influence the project?

We are asking the public to:

• Provide feedback on the updated Dog Policy and Local Law via the Survey on this project page.
• Share experiences and identify any issues relating to dog access, behaviour, or awareness in Fremantle.
• Review the Key Documents and Frequently Asked Questions about this engagement program.

How can you meet with City Officers to discuss the Review and share your feedback?

You can request to meet with city staff to discuss your thoughts on the Dog Policy and Local Law via a 1:1 meeting or group meeting.

• Book a 1:1 or group meeting with City officers by emailing communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au (subject to staff availability).

City Officers aim to:

• Gather feedback on community experiences with dog access and behaviour in public spaces.
• Provide clear information about the policy review process and proposed changes.
• Raise awareness about responsible dog ownership and relevant legislation.
• Keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and provide feedback on how public input influenced the final policy.

How can you make your submission?
Submissions can be submitted online via the submission form below, or:

• By Mail
  PO Box 807
  Fremantle WA 6959
• In Person
  Walyalup Civic Centre
  151 High Street
  Fremantle WA 6160
• By email - communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au

A hard copy of the survey can be sent or picked up upon request by emailing the Community Engagement team here: communityengagement@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Submissions close 5pm AWST, 22 May 2026.