Dogs could be banned in or near playgrounds and play spaces in Fremantle under proposed changes to the city's dog exercise and prohibited areas policy. The local council has asked for public comments on the amendments, which have sparked debate among residents and councillors.
Fremantle mother Sheryl Sama, who owns a chocolate labrador named Yago, criticized the proposed rule. "I feel it's a silly rule, because it's so nice to go to the park with the dogs while my kids enjoy the playground safely because they're inside the fenced area," she said. Sama noted she has taken her dog to Sir Fredrick Samson Park daily for years without incident.
Under the changes, dog exercise would be prohibited in conservation areas of Sir Fredrick Samson Park, Prawn Bay, Rocky Bay Reserve, the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre grounds, and within five metres of playgrounds and play spaces. A property on Rule Street in North Fremantle would be added as a dog exercise area, but a petition for Mills & Wares Park to become an off-lead space was rejected.
A council report cited "clear friction" between increased requests for dog exercise areas and safety for all users. Councillors expressed differing views on enforcement and the scope of the policy. Deputy mayor Fedele Camarda warned against a "blanket policy," while Cr Jemima Williamson-Wong supported prohibiting dogs from playgrounds, saying it made "a lot of sense."
Mayor Ben Lawver advocated for a bespoke approach, creating "human-only" spaces in some parks while leaving others unchanged. He expressed concern that a blanket ban would invite more conflict and require fencing off play areas. Cr Andrew Sullivan raised issues about dog control and enforcement, stating the council had not balanced community love for dogs with proper regulation.
