Clarence City Council’s review of its Dog Management Policy has seen significant community interest, with hundreds of residents providing feedback on the future of dog management across the city. The initial three-month consultation period, which concluded in June, gathered extensive input from dog owners and non-owners alike.
According to the Eastern Shore Sun, the first stage of the review attracted more than 600 survey responses, 24 detailed written submissions, and nearly 200 face-to-face conversations with residents [cite: The Eastern Shore Sun, as per user prompt]. This strong engagement highlights the community’s desire to shape how dogs and people share public spaces in Clarence.
The Council initiated the review as part of its legislative responsibility under the Dog Control Act 2000, which mandates a policy review every five years. The aim is to develop a new policy that reflects contemporary community needs and expectations, focusing on responsible dog ownership, public safety, environmental protection, and equitable access to various open spaces.
The consultation process, launched on the Council’s “Your Say” engagement platform, included an online survey that was open until June 13, 2026. Additionally, a series of pop-up engagement sessions were held at various locations across Clarence throughout May 2026, allowing residents to discuss their views directly with Council representatives. These sessions covered areas such as Clarendonvale, Bellerive, Lindisfarne, Glebe Hill, Kangaroo Bay, Howrah, Rosny, Warrane, and Lauderdale.
Clarence City Council has acknowledged the diverse perspectives within the community regarding dog management. The review is considering a wide range of issues, including designated off-lead areas, prohibited zones, dog parks, waste management, registration and microchipping, responsible ownership, and the impact of dogs on natural areas and wildlife.
Following the close of the initial feedback period, the Council announced in June that it was seeking Expressions of Interest for an Independent Submissions Review Panel. This panel, comprising 10-12 community representatives, will be tasked with reviewing the collected feedback, identifying key themes and concerns, and exploring balanced solutions to inform the development of a draft Dog Management Policy. Expressions of Interest for the panel closed on July 10, 2026, with panel sessions scheduled to run between July and October 2026.
Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley has previously commented on the importance of community infrastructure for pets, such as the recently opened Cambridge Dog Park. The ongoing policy review is expected to build upon such initiatives, ensuring that the needs of Clarence’s more than 10,000 dogs and their owners, as well as the wider community, are considered in future regulations.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of the Dog Management Policy review through the Clarence City Council website and local news outlets.