Victor Harbor council has loosened the leash laws for dogs on local beaches, following community consultation.

It made several adjustments to dog leashing requirements at its meeting on Monday 11 December, allowing additional hours to walk off-lead on the beaches while giving extra protection to sand dunes.

In November, the council sought community feedback on dog leashing requirements across the district. and as a result it made two major determinations.

To protect vegetation and wildlife, the Hindmarsh River Estuary sand dunes, Inman River Estuary sand dunes and Wright Island will become 24/7 on-lead areas.

Hours for off-lead dog walking on beaches will be extended during daylight savings, meaning dogs can be walked off-lead from 6pm to 10am. 

Previously the time frame was 8pm to 10am.

Other leashing requirements remain unchanged.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor Dr Moira Jenkins says community feedback informed the council’s decision making.

“I would like to sincerely thank the community for taking the time to submit feedback on the application of Council’s by-laws last month. 

“I know it’s a topic that is close to many people’s hearts, as a large number of us (including myself) love walking our dogs on Victor Harbor’s stunning beaches.”

She says the council received more than 200 surveys and 26 written submissions during the consultation period.

Council staff also more than 100 face-to-face conversations with locals.

“The feedback told us that protecting our natural environment is equally as important as allowing ample access to open spaces for dog owners,”  Mayor Jenkins says.

“The outcome is that dog owners now have an additional two hours to walk off-lead on our coastline during daylight savings time. 

“They just need to take extra care by leashing their dog if they plan to venture up into the sand dunes near the Hindmarsh River Estuary and Inman River Estuary.”

Although Petrel Cove was ultimately determined not to be an appropriate location for a designated off-lead area, the community can use the Victor Harbor Dog Park for off leash exercise.

“The Dog Park is an off-lead area for dogs to play, socialise and exercise around the clock. It’s a great place for dog owners to connect with one another too – I’ve made many friends there!” Mayor Jenkins says.

As a result of the consultation the council will review its signage to make dog leashing requirements clear and concise.

For more information about dog leashing requirements visit the council website.