THE threat of dog fatalities from baiting at Machin Park’s fenced off-leash area has prompted pruning work to dense vegetation.
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Orange City Council companion animals community committee moved to raise the height of the conifer tree canopy to at least one metre off the ground, meaning baits and rubbish would be easier to spot.
Councillors endorsed the work at a meeting last week.
Committee chair and councillor Neil Jones said the motion was in response to baited chicken breast found in the area on Gardiner Road in November.
Park users discovered the bait and carefully removed it before contacting council.
“One of the issues was the very large conifer trees with a lot of large branches coming to the ground,” he said.
“Any area where dogs can go unnoticed is an issue - even though they’re off-lead, they must be under control at all times and if there’s an obstruction, the canopy should be raised.”
Cr Jones confirmed no baits had been found in the time since.
Committee member Anne Reith moved the motion due to her concerns about the canopy.
“That’s where dogs are sniffing and you can’t see what’s there,” she said.
“If they find something, of course they’re going to have a go at eating it.”
She said dog owners would have to maintain vigilance regardless of the pruning work.
“But hopefully something’s not going to happen again,” she said.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au