The Huon Valley has some great spots to walk and exercise your dog. Knowing where dogs are welcome — and the rules that apply — helps keep everyone safe and happy sharing these spaces.
Your responsibilities in public
When your dog is out of your property, under the Dog Control Act 2000 you must:
- Make sure your dog wears a collar with its registration tag
- Keep your dog under effective control at all times
- Keep your dog on a lead on roads and footpaths in built-up areas
- Clean up after your dog
- Confine female dogs on heat away from public places
- Restrain your dog properly when in or on a vehicle
- Stop your dog rushing at or chasing vehicles or bicycles
- Prevent nuisance or interference with other people’s peace and comfort
- Never allow dangerous behaviour towards people or animals
What “effective control” means?
Your dog is under effective control when it:
- Stays close to you
- Remains in sight at all times
- Responds immediately to your commands
If you can’t confidently tick all three off-lead, keep your dog on a lead.
Off-lead exercise areas
Council provides designated off-lead areas for dogs to exercise safely. Your dog must still be under effective control and you’re still responsible for its behaviour.
Rules for off-lead areas
- Keep your dog within sight and in close proximity at all times
- Don’t allow your dog to approach or play with other dogs without the owner’s permission
- If your dog becomes aggressive, distressed, or overly excited, put it on a lead and remove it from the area until calm
Where to go
- Ranelagh Showground (excluding the oval and surrounds)
- Huonville Dog Park (Heron Street)
- Franklin Foreshore
- Shipwrights Point Regatta Ground (Port Huon)
- Geeveston Dog Park (fenced area within Heritage Park)
- Cygnet Dog Park (fenced area at Cygnet Sports Ground)
Where dogs aren’t allowed
Prohibited at all times
• Council sports grounds, halls, indoor sports buildings, clubrooms and churches (unless specific authority is given)
• Tasmania’s national parks and nature reserves
• Burtons Reserve, Cygnet (declared dog-prohibited area)
Check before you go
Some Conservation Areas, Regional Reserves and State Reserves welcome dogs, but rules vary. Check the Parks and Wildlife Service website before heading out.
Sharing space with other users
Beaches, tracks and pathways are for everyone. You might encounter families, horse riders, cyclists, joggers and other walkers.
Golden rules
• Never let your dog approach another dog without the owner’s permission
• Don’t allow harassment, annoyance or aggressive behaviour toward other dogs, animals or people
• Always ask before allowing interaction with other users
• If your dog becomes aggressive, scared or distressed, put them on-lead and leave the area immediately
Built-Up Areas vs Rural Areas
Built-up areas
A built-up area is somewhere with buildings next to roads and street lighting.
- Dogs must be on-lead on roads, footpaths, nature strips and public tracks
- Leads must be no more than 2 metres long
- The person holding the lead must be able to control the dog
Outside built-up areas
- Effective control is still required at all times
- Off-lead is permitted if you can maintain control
- Your dog must not enter private property without the owner’s consent