This area has long been off-limits for dogs, leashed or off the leash, and while this may have proved an annoyance to dog lovers there were some pretty compelling reasons to leave it that way.

Lake Canobolas is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions and in summer it is a favoured place for barbecues and picnickers, watersport enthusiasts, cyclists and walkers.

One of the reasons it is so well regarded is its amazing flora and fauna.

Council staff have themselves expressed some concern that the dogs’ presence in the area may damage wildlife or sully the Molong water catchment supply. There’s also some concern that goats and kangaroos may be put in danger of being attacked by visiting dogs.

Of course all of these concerns would prove null and void if all visiting dogs remained on the leash, but there are no assurances this will happen.

As any frequent visitor to Cook Park will tell you dog owners often disregard existing legislation to allow their dogs, big and small, to run free.

Even leisure walkers in the CBD, whether it be dusk or dawn, report seeing fellow walkers accompanied by their unleashed canine companions.

Not only are unleashed dogs annoying, but they can also be extremely hazardous to young children, the elderly and other dogs.

As councillor Neil Jones reminds the public, this is only a trial, so it is up to concerned citizens and dog lovers alike to watch how it goes.

In the end the council may even decide to make some areas leash free.

Sadly it will only take one irresponsible dog owner for council to return Lake Canobolas to a dog- free zone.