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Dogs will be banned from being let off their leashes in a number of public spaces across the Northern Midlands. The Northern Midlands Council released a list of areas that will be designated as on-leash and off-leash areas for the municipality’s pooches on Wednesday. The Longford Recreation Ground, Mill Dam recreation area, Cairns Park and Victoria Square, all at Longford, will be classified as strictly on-leash areas. The Perth Recreation Ground, Cressy Recreation Ground and Pioneer Park at Evandale have also been designated as on-leash spaces. Northern Midlands mayor David Downie said the restrictions would be put into place for the safety of other people and other animals. “We don’t want dogs running around sports grounds, as they make a mess and that’s not at all healthy for those users,” he said. “Next to the Mill Dam at Longford, there is an abattoir and they don’t want dogs off-leash and running around their stock.” Coronation Park, at Longford, Honeysuckle Banks at Evandale and the Ross Community Sports Ground will be designated as off-leash areas. Meanwhile, a complete dog ban will be implemented at the Perth War memorial, Falls Park at Evandale and all playing fields of council-owned recreation grounds. Cr Downie said it was important for the council to balance the needs of different users, when it came to the new restrictions. “We’ve got different interests that need to be managed in the community, so all users can be catered for,” he said. “There’s got to be a compromise, where dogs off leashes don’t interfere with other people.” The council is welcoming public submissions on the changes until August 1. All submissions must be sent in writing to Des Jennings, PO Box 156, Longford or by email to council@nmc.tas.gov.au. For a full list of the proposed new laws, go to northernmidlands.tas.gov.au/living/animals/dog-control.

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