A 24-hour dog off leash trial  will start today, Sunday 1 September, in Encounter Bay. 

Local dog walkers are encouraged to use and provide feedback on the trial area, located between Harbor View Terrace and Oakham Street.

The strip of beach along Franklin Parade will see dogs able to explore the shoreline lead-free, provided they are under effective control from their owners.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins says the trial is a great opportunity to glean valuable feedback from the community about the 24-hr dog off leash location and user experience.

“As a dog owner, I recognise that there is a need for a consistent dog off leash area in our community,” she says.

“This trial is an opportunity to lend your voice to the suitability of the location for such a zone. I encourage you to bring your best mate down to Encounter Bay for a walk on the sand.”

Signs will outline the beach in use for the trial and the council’s public safety team will regularly monitor the area.

The trial will continue until the final day of daylight savings in March 2025.

The only exception will be on the identification of a breeding pair of hooded plovers, in which dog owners will be required to keep dogs restrained.

User feedback can be submitted via email or by visiting the City of Victor Harbor civic centre on Bay Road.