Home / Council Services / Animals / Pet Owners Info / Dog Ownership / Dog Off Leash Areas

Off Leash Areas for Dogs

It’s the Law

A dog that is in a public place must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash in accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998.

Dog owners who allow their dogs in a public place without a chain, cord or leash are guilty of an offence and risk a fine.

This does not apply to:

A dog accompanied by a competent person in an area declared to be an off lead area.
A dog engaged in the droving, tending or working of stock.
A dog participating in an obedience class, trial or exhibition.
A police dog
A dog secured in a cage or vehicle or tethered to a fixed object or structure.

It is also worthy to note, that when you are out & about with your dog, they must stay at least 10 metres from a children’s playground area or food preparation area.

Off Lead Areas

There are a number of designated off lead areas in Queanbeyan. Some of these are listed below:

Southbar Road (the “Scar”) All of area, including the grassed area which has been especially fenced.
Future Edwin Land Parkway This is located between Cooma Street and ends at River Drive.
High Street The signposted area opposite the intersection of High Street and Thurralily Street.
Crest Road/Stuart Street
Nimmitabel Street
Kinlyside Avenue

All dogs must be under effective control when off lead.

Collar & Tag

In New South Wales, under the Companion Animal Act 1998, all dogs must be micro-chipped and life-time registered. It is also necessary for your dog to wear a suitable collar and ID tag with his name and telephone number or name and address on it. Dog owners who allow their dog in a public place without a collar & tag are guilty of an offence and risk a fine.

Bend and Scoop

If your dog defecates in a public place it is a requirement for you to remove their feces. Failure to do so could result in a fine. It is therefore a good idea when walking your dog to take along some plastic bags with you for this task. Designated off-lead areas provide bins for you to dispose of your dog’s droppings.