Impacts of dog off-leash areas

Environmental issues

One of the obvious impacts of dogs on this
section of Kedron Brook is the formation of ‘runs’ where dogs enter the
stream via steep banks.


There are signs posted along the off-leash
area, forbidding dogs from swimming in the stream. Unfortunately, dogs
don’t read and it takes a fit and agile owner of a water-loving pooch
to prevent an unleashed dog jumping into the water.




A consequence of dogs accessing the stream
is the disturbance to local waterbirds (ducks, coots and Cisticolas).
These well-adapted birds do take things in their stride and just move
away from the dogs. Problems are most likely to occur if the birds rely
on nesting in this area. Nesting will be less successful if birds are
repeatedly disturbed.




The effect of numerous dogs swimming in the
Brook could lead to pollution of the water due to a build-up of
chemicals and soaps used on dogs’ coats.


Additional nutrients may be introduced into
the stream when faeces and urine deposited along the floodway, are
washed by rain into the stream.





Impacts of dog off-leash areas