Council baulks at dog restrictions in Callan Park

Wednesday, 29 May 2019

Inner West Council will not enforce a State Government ban on letting dogs off their leash in Callan Park.

Councillors resolved last night not to carry out the recent ban by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH).

OEH, which controls the parkland, recently erected signs banning off-leash dogs in one of the most popular inner west dog walking areas.

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said that it was a ridiculous solution to a non-existent problem.

“For many years the public has been able to walk their dogs off leash in Callan Park,” he said.

“Suddenly, and without any community consultation whatsoever, the Office of Environment and Heritage has put up signage advising dog walkers that they can no longer let their dogs off their leashes.

“Callan Park is exactly the sort of place where dogs can run and walk freely without interfering with other park users.”

Council has control of a number of sporting fields in Callan Park, which reman off leash areas when not in use for games or training for local clubs.

“The State Government haven’t bothered to talk to the community, and this sudden change is unnecessary and upsetting to the park users,” said Mayor Byrne.

“Council has no legal requirement to enforce this off-leash ban and we won’t be doing the State Government’s dirty work here.”

For media enquiries, please contact Kate Walsh on 9392 5685 or kate.walsh@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.