The City of Joondalup is developing a new Dog Management Plan which will guide its approach to managing dogs within the district.
This consultation is exploring community perceptions and attitudes towards dogs in public open spaces, especially in relation to whether they should be on-leash or off-leash in certain areas. Community feedback will be used to inform development of the draft plan.
The whole community is encouraged to participate, both dog owners and non-dog owners.
To submit your feedback please complete the Community Survey by clicking on the button below. For further information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions or contact the City’s Customer Care team.
For more information please contact the City on 9400 4000 or via email.
Consultation period
Submissions accepted: Thursday 14 November 2024 – Wednesday 11 December 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
To explore community perceptions and attitudes towards dogs in public open spaces, especially in relation to whether they should be on-leash or off-leash in certain areas. Community feedback will be used to inform development of a new City of Joondalup Dog Management Plan.
Dog Management Plans are high-level documents that guide a local government’s approach to managing dogs in the district. These plans can include legislative, regulatory and enforcement instruments, preferred approaches to behavioural management, priorities for public open spaces, and community education and awareness. It is not a statutory requirement for local governments to have a Dog Management Plan; however, aligning services and activities with the City’s strategic direction and community priorities is in the interest of everyone in the community.
Yes. The whole community is encouraged to participate, whether you currently own a dog, have previously owned a dog or have never owned a dog. The City is keen to receive comments from everyone who lives or works in the City of Joondalup, or anyone who is a visitor to the City.
Dogs can currently be off-leash in all public open spaces in the City, excluding nine specific sites where dogs must be on-leash, and 12 specific sites where dogs are prohibited at all times. For more details, visit Animal exercise areas page. In all other public places (for example, footpaths, car parks and retail precincts), dogs must be on-leash.
The City also has a fenced dog exercise area in Elcar Park (Joondalup), and dogs can be off-leash at Hillarys Dog Beach (Hillarys).
Dog owners are required to comply with State and local dog control regulations:
- Dogs must be registered with the City and micro-chipped from the age of three months.
- Dogs must wear a collar displaying a current registration tag.
- Dogs must be under effective control at all times.
- Owners must pick up all dog excreta when out with their dog.
- Owners’ premises must have adequate fencing to confine dogs to their property.
The City is responsible for promoting, enhancing and supporting community awareness of responsible dog ownership and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. To accomplish this, the City provides the following services:
- Overseeing the dog application process.
- Undertaking targeted Field Officer patrols of dog exercise areas and specified parks during identified peak usage.
- Issuing cautions or infringements in accordance with relevant legislation and the City’s Customer Service Charter.
- Overseeing and managing dog attack investigations.
- Delivering community education programs.
- Undertaking dangerous dog inspections and assessments annually.
- Investigating other animal-related issues, including litter.
The City is directly consulting the following community stakeholders:
- park/reserve/beach user groups
- dog training groups
- environmental/friends’ groups
- resident/ratepayer groups
- local businesses (veterinarians)
- local schools with shared-use agreements for a sports park near their school
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (WA)
- Western Australian Local Government Association
- in addition, all information is available on the City’s website. Anyone can submit comments via the Community Survey. Responses are limited to one per person, or one formal response per club/group/organisation.
Comments can be provided through the Community Survey. If you are unable to access the Community Survey, or need assistance in providing feedback, please contact the City on 9400 4000 or via email to info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.
The community consultation period is open Thursday 14 November 2024-Wednesday 11 December 2024.
After the close of the consultation period, the City will consider all comments received and prepare a report for the Council on the outcomes. The outcomes will also be made available on this Consultation page.
If you would like to be informed via email when the outcomes will be presented to the Council, please select the box on the Community Survey and ensure you provide your email address.
For further information contact the City on 9400 4000 or via email to info@joondalup.wa.gov.au.