Criticism over unleashed dogs being walked on the Warrnambool promenade has prompted Warrnambool City Council to highlight the places where the pastime is permitted.
WCC health and local laws manager Murray Murfett said the Warrnambool promenade was a hot spot for unleashed dog activity.
He said council officers often patrolled and fined people for having dogs off leads in the area.
However he said there were many areas, including at Lady Bay from the Hopkins River west to the Flume, where dogs could be off a leash.
The fine for having a dog at large is $282.
Dogs can be walked off a leash in:
* Albert Park (excluding sporting grounds);
* Blue Hole Reserve, from Hopkins River bridge to mouth, east side between May 1 and October 31;
* Merri River areas of public open space in the vicinity of Manuka Drive, Membrey Way and Ponting Drive;
* Logans Beach;
* Harris Street Reserve;
* Davidson Oval Reserve; n Russells Creek Reserve, from Mortlake Road to Garden Street;
* Tozer Road easement, to Wanstead Street; and
* Kings Park.
Other off-lead areas are:
* Bushfield Oval Reserve;
* Jubilee Park, Woodford;
* Malwarrah Reserve, Woodford;
* Allansford Reserve; and
* Schrader Park, Allans-ford.
In off-leash areas, dogs must not be allowed to worry or threaten any person or animal. They must be kept under voice control and a lead carried and used when in the vicinity of another dog or within 30 metres of a playground, barbecue facility, organised sporting events, picnic areas or public meetings.
Dogs can be walked on a leash in all public areas including residential streets, and the central business district, the foreshore walking tracks, including foreshore promenade, the main Lady Bay beach area from the Flume to breakwater between May 1 and October 31; and the Blue Hole Reserve from the Hopkins River Bridge to the river mouth, east side from November 1 to April 30.
Areas prohibited for dogs include Lake Pertobe Reserve, botanic gardens, Jetty Flat Athletics Centre, sports ovals, Merri River mouth south of Stanley Street bridge including Middle Island, Merri River wetlands from Viaduct Road to MacDonald Street and the Warrnambool Ski Club beach frontage from November 1 to April 30 each year.
ehimmelreich@standard.fairfax.com.au