The Kiama Council seeks feedback from dog owners and others regarding its ‘Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy,’ currently on public exhibition.

Council took a large attitudinal survey to improve how dog-friendly areas are managed in the local government area. It received 533 responses with 76 per cent from dog owners, 20 per cent from non-dog owners and the remainder coming from visitors.

Feedback showed the off-leash spaces were operating well with the main issue being responsible dog ownership and the need to build fenced dog off-leash areas.

Kiama has 9000 registered dogs and a high ratio of dog ownership, with one dog for every 2.5 people.

The survey found that most dog owners choose to exercise in and around their own neighbourhood with 82 per cent of respondents in the category.

The most popular dog off-leash areas are Bombo Beach, Jones Beach, the Minnamurra Headland and Bombo Headland.

Dog owners said dog waste bags and bins, and access to water, were important issues for them.

Respondents also want an off-leash area in Jamberoo. In June last year, the council said it would identify and apply for grant funding before the project could commence.

Kiama Council survey on dog off-leash areas

The survey showed more education and regulation was needed so the public had a clear idea of the rules and responsibilities with dogs in open spaces. There was also a call for increased presence of Compliance Officers.

When owners take their dogs to an off-leash park, the RSPCA said, they need to be confident that they will reliably come to you when called and relate to other dogs without becoming fearful or aggressive.

“For most dogs, this can be achieved with socialisation, reward-based training classes and ongoing reward training, daily walks and attending doggy day care,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

Councillor Stuart Larkins said he was very happy the dog-friendly spaces strategy was being developed. 

“This is one initiative that I have advocated for in council as part of a broader companion animal management plan. We have 9000 dogs in our LGA, and we need to make sure that they are able to enjoy the area with their families, and also keep everyone safe,” he said.

"I'm also pleased that Council will be undertaking its first fenced dog space in the LGA. I thank the NSW Government for providing grant funding to council for this important project,” Clr Larkins said.

Kiama LGA dog-friendly spaces:

• Minnamurra Headland dog off-leash area
• Jones Beach dog off-leash area (Southern end)
• Bombo Headland dog off-leash area and agility park
• Bombo Beach dog off-leash area
• Kaleula Reserve dog off-leash area
• Marsden Headland dog off-leash area
• Werri Beach dog off-leash area
• Gerringong Headland dog off-leash area
• Black Head Reserve Gerroa dog off-leash area.

Studies show that owning a dog encourages physical activity, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health. Contact with animals may confer psychological benefits such as relieving the symptoms of mental illness and loneliness.

Public Exhibition of the DDFSS runs until 5pm Friday 21 July.