Victoria City Council looks for new way to bring peace to popular pathway

Victoria council is trying to figure out how pedestrians and off-leash dogs can both enjoy Dallas Road green spaceafter a fence plan got a 'ruff' reception.

City council was receiving regular complaints from pedestrians about out-of-control dogs at a nearby off-leash area.

They thought a split-rail fence to separate the dogs from the walking path might be the solution, but then came emails, phone calls and petitions opposing the separation, and the plan was shelved.

Susan Christoffersen walks her two dogs along Victoria's Dallas Road every day and they also use the off-leash green space next to the walking path.

"There are lots of places for people to go who are afraid of dogs, whereas there are very few places for people to go who have a dog and want a dog off-leash," she said.

City Councillor Jeremy Loveday says response to the fence idea is the biggest he's ever seen on a city issue.

"For now we have decided to let the sleeping dogs lie," he said.

There's now talk of a working group of dog owners and non-dog owners to come up with better ideas.

Susan Christoffersen is happy the status quo will remain for now.

"A lot more thought has to go into a solution. And it has to be a solution that is fair to all," she said.

with files from Megan Thomas.