MELTON Council says it will cost up to $60,000 to build a dog exercise park, with four sites under consideration to be the shire's first dedicated "off-leash" areas.
The council has been presented with an online petition with 356 signatories calling for an area where dogs can be exercised off-leash.
Council voted at its most recent meeting to consider creating dog parks, but it will come down to dollars and cents and would have to be approved during discussions over the 2010-11 budget.
A report presented at the meeting said each park should have:
■1.5-metre-high fencing all around
■Dog poo bins
■Rubbish bins
■Seating
■ Dog exercise equipment such as hurdles and ramps
Four sites have been suggested for off-leash exercise areas: MacPherson, Navan and Town Centre parks in Melton township, and a park at Boronia Drive, Hillside. Melton resident Daniella Hobbs, who initiated the petition, acknowledged the process could take time but was pleased council was considering fully equipped parks.
Melton Dog Obedience Club secretary Bill Allison said the dog parks would be a nightmare to maintain if dog owners were not responsible for picking up waste, making sure dogs were vaccinated and kept away from children.
Mr Allison said council had not consulted the obedience club on how best to operate an off-leash park or on whether they were a good idea in the first place.
At the meeting, council approved signage indicating that dogs must be on leash at all times.
Councillors will soon vote on a proposal to declare the entire municipality a dog "on-leash" zone. "Council will consider the creation of dog off-leash areas and installation of dog on-leash signage to help encourage responsible pet ownership and ensure all park users can enjoy our facilities together," mayor Justin Mammarella said.
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