With over 3,100 registered dogs in the Huon Valley, it’s clear our four-legged friends play a special role in our community. Now, Council is inviting residents to have their say on a new draft Dog Management Policy designed to help keep people and pets safe and happy.
The draft policy, approved for public consultation at Council’s May 2025 meeting, provides a comprehensive framework for dog management across the Huon Valley.
This updated policy makes it easier to understand what Council will do if there’s a dog-related incident or complaint, and clarifies rules around responsible dog ownership, including where dogs can be on- or off-lead.
One important change is the proposal to remove Drip Beach as a designated dog area, as it’s not Council-managed land. Meanwhile, Burtons Reserve at Cygnet will stay as a dog-free zone due to the nature of the environment and its extensive public use including by children.
Importantly, the draft policy has been shaped with input from key stakeholders including the Huon Valley Dog Walkers Association, the RSPCA, and Dogs’ Home of Tasmania, to ensure it reflects the views of the experts on how to keep dogs safe, happy and under control.
Mayor Sally Doyle said, “We want to strike the right balance between supporting responsible dog ownership and ensuring our community feels safe. This policy review is an opportunity for residents to help shape how we manage dogs across the Huon Valley.”
How to Have Your Say:
The draft policy is available on https://engage.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/dog-management-policy-review
Written submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Huon Valley Council, PO Box 210, Huonville 7109, or emailed to hvc@huonvalley.tas.gov.au by Sunday, 17 August 2025, 5:00pm.