No. 14

MORE SPACE FOR DOGS AND THEIR OWNERS TO EXERCISE

The 2007-08 ACT Budget provides $300,000 to develop two recreation areas devoted to dogs and their owners and designed to encourage both to get more exercise.

Chief Minister and Treasurer Jon Stanhope said the ACT Government would develop two new dog exercise enclosures by the end of 2007-08.

“One ‘Dogs’ Park’ would be established at Lake Ginninderra and another would be developed at Lake Tuggeranong,” Mr Stanhope said.

“For many Canberrans, dogs are valued members of the family, and social research shows that pet ownership has many positive effects on owners.

“Dogs provide great company and security for older Canberrans especially, and this will become even more the case as our population ages and as the number of single-person households increases. Dogs are also a much-loved part of many Canberra families, and a great lesson in responsibility for many of Canberra’s children. 

“Dogs also generally need a lot of supervised exercise, which provides their owners, young and old with great opportunities to get some exercise too.”

Mr Stanhope said the ‘Dogs’ Parks’ would provide opportunities for dogs of all shapes and sizes to socialise and exercise off-lead. .

“Just as being physically fit is important to the welfare of humans, it is important for the welfare of our dogs. Some research shows that those who own dogs are more likely to get exercise because they feel obligated to walk their dogs, even in bad weather. This is a win for the dog and the owner.

“I know these facilities will provide extra encouragement for more owners to take their dogs out of the back yard by providing a place where both can socialise and get exercise.”

Mr Stanhope said the hard decisions taken in last year’s Budget are helping to keep the ACT’s books in the black and providing the funds required to invest in providing spaces that will help keep Canberrans and their dogs fitter, healthier and happier.