Dog walkers in Stawell have been reminded to keep pets on leads and clean up after your their pooch.
Northern Grampians Shire Council has noticed an increase in people walking their dogs off-lead in on-lead areas and people not cleaning up after their pets since the COVID-19 lockdown.
An increase in four-legged traffic had been noted particularly at North Park, Cato Park, and Central Park and there has been an increase in complaints about these areas.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Murray Emerson, said pet owners should show common courtesy to other users of these spaces.
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"Our parks are very popular with residents as well as sporting organisations and no one wants to come across dog waste when out for a run or at training," he said.
"Similarly, while many dogs are well-behaved off-lead, not all are and it is for the safety of everyone that dogs remain on-lead unless in a designated off-lead area."
Dogs are allowed off-lead in Stawell at the Old Lake Oval in Sutherland Street and King George Park, in St Arnaud. All other public areas are strictly on-lead only.
A fine of $330 applies for a dog that is not properly leashed in an on-lead area and walkers must carry something in which to put their dog's deposit and be able to produce it on demand. Failure to do so will also attract a $330 fine and failure to collect and dispose of the excrement into a waste bin also attracts a $330 fine.
New signs have been erected at North Park and Central Park to remind owners and walkers to keep their pets restrained.
