Dog Management Policy Update
Published on 26 August 2026
25 August 2026
Council’s Dog Management Policy was adopted at the August Council meeting, following community consultation on the draft policy. The adopted Policy provides a clear framework for responsible dog ownership and the management of dogs across the Burnie municipality.
Dog Management Policy(PDF, 4MB)
August 2026
Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback on the Draft Dog Management Policy.
Council recently completed a four-week community consultation, inviting the community to provide feedback on proposed dog management arrangements across the municipality.
The feedback showed 63% of respondents supported or strongly supported the overall direction of the Draft Dog Management Policy.
What we heard
Responsible dog ownership was identified as the community’s highest priority, with 80% rating it as very important.
Feedback also highlighted opportunities to strengthen the policy through:
- additional dog waste bins
- clearer signage
- separate exercise areas for small and large dogs
- improved compliance and enforcement
- consideration of expanded dog-friendly access in selected public spaces.
The community was closely divided on the availability of off-leash exercise areas, with 47% saying Burnie does not currently have enough, compared with 43% who said there are enough. This remains an important area of community interest as the policy progresses.
What happens next?
The feedback received through the consultation will help inform the revised Draft Dog Management Policy as it progresses towards adoption.
The revised Draft Dog Management Policy is scheduled to be included at an upcoming Council meeting agenda for Council’s consideration.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share their views. Your feedback will help inform future dog management across Burnie.
Earlier
June 2026
Burnie City Council is reviewing how dogs are managed across the municipality and is inviting community feedback on the Draft Dog Management Policy.
The draft policy includes:
• Off-leash dog exercise areas
• On-leash and prohibited areas
• Responsible dog ownership expectations
• Protection of public spaces and wildlife habitats
Council encourages residents, dog owners and community members to review the draft policy and proposed dog area maps before providing feedback.
Thank you to those in our community who took the time to provide feedback.
Your input will help shape a safe, respectful and dog-friendly Burnie for residents, visitors and their pets.
The survey is now closed.