Residents petition for off-leash dog park in La Lucia
La Lucia resident, Claudia O'Farrell is hoping to submit a petition to the eThekwini Municipality calling for the park to be fenced and given off-leash status.
LOCAL residents are calling for a park on the corner of William Campbell Drive and Old Bush Road in La Lucia to be designated as an off-leash dog park. To this end, La Lucia resident, Claudia O’Farrell is hoping to submit a petition to the eThekwini Municipality calling for the park to be fenced and given off-leash status.
O’Farrell said cities around the world recognise the value of off-leash parks and hoped Durban would follow suit.
“On a daily basis we have more than 20 dog-owners who utilise the park to exercise and socialise their pooches. Our hope is to petition the City to allow us to have an off-leash dog park that is fenced. William Campbell Drive and Old Bush Road are busy. If dogs are off their leads they may run onto the road causing an accident which could easily be prevented by a fenced and well managed off-leash dog park. I have tried in the past where I liaised with the horticulturalist responsible for the park but that unfortunately didn’t go anywhere.
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“Dogs need to run to stay healthy. Not all owners are fit enough to run with their animal friends. One of the main reasons dogs display behavioural problems is because they are not getting enough exercise. Well-exercised dogs are better neighbours who are less likely to create a nuisance, bark excessively and destroy property. This petition is open for anyone to sign and we are encouraging the community to get behind the idea. We’ve managed to get more than 50 signatures, but we’d love as many as possible,” she said.
Another resident, Mike Bradfield, said his dog, Annie, looks forward to coming to the park everyday.
“I’ve seen up to 30 dog owners use the park and it’s just a wonderful experience. I know my dog, Annie, looks forward to coming down to the park on a daily basis and I feel an off-leash dog park would benefit the community, the dogs and ultimately the City,” he said.
If you would like to sign the petition message, O’Farrell on 082 330 0661 or click here.
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