Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Dog Walkers Need To Tidy Up Their Dog’S Act

Council’s local laws officers are turning up the heat on dog owners who allow their pets to foul footpaths, nature strips, playgrounds and parks; and who fail to clean up.

By Latrobe City Council - 10th December 2009 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s coordinator local laws, Peter Fraser, said many people in the community have raised significant concerns about the impact of deposited and uncollected dog droppings within our community.

"Leaving dog droppings on streets, and other public places is smelly, unsightly and very unpleasant to step in! Dog poo is a serious litter issue with wide ranging effects on the municipal amenity," Mr Fraser explained.

"All dog owners are responsible for cleaning up and disposing of their dog’s poo when in a public place. Don’t get caught failing to clean up, you can be issued with a $117 on-the-spot fine for not complying with these requirements," Mr Fraser warned.

"Council’s local law not only requires dog walkers to clean up any excrement deposited by their pet, but requires them to carry a plastic bag or other means of cleaning up when walking their dog in a public place.

"Nowadays, it is generally accepted that cleaning up after your dog is part of being a responsible pet owner, and many dog owners would never consider walking their pet without the ever present plastic bag in the pocket. However, some owners by their inaction create a situation that is potentially dangerous to public health and harmful to the environment.

"Droppings contain harmful bacteria and nutrients, and some end up washing into natural waterways through the stormwater system. In some cases, dog faeces may contain the roundworm Toxocara Canis and this can be passed onto humans.

"Cleaning up after your dog is easy. You can use plastic or biodegradable bags, trowels or pooper scoopers. Products are available that attach to your dog’s leash to store plastic bags for use during walks," Mr Fraser advised.

Disposal methods include council provided litter bins, or domestic waste collection, worm farms or composting units.

Latrobe City councillor, Cr Sharon Gibson, said it was important that dog owners understand the requirements to clean up after their dog not only applies to footpaths, sporting grounds and grassy parks, but also to bushland reserves.

"Many complaints arising from dog owners failing to clean up after their pet arise in bushland reserves such as Moe’s Edward Hunter Reserve, Morwell’s Crinigan Bushland Reserve, or the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve.

"Dedicated volunteers maintain these reserves and it is totally inexcusable that irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their pet, pollute these green space treasures we are so lucky to have close to our urban areas," Cr Gibson said.

"Keep your bags, pouches or pooper scoop products with your leash, as a reminder to take them with you," Cr Gibson suggested.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
  Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
  The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.