Orange City Council companion animals committee chair Neil Jones said the committee had reviewed off-leash areas and would make recommendations to the council at an upcoming meeting.

Among the changes would be removing the off-leash area at Wirrabarra Walk in favour of Tanderra Park, which is located just off the walk, and investigating the show ring at Orange Showground as a potential addition. 

A location in North Orange has yet to be identified.

“Issues were raised with Wirrabarra Walk because it’s very popular with walkers and cyclists, it’s got two busy roads at either end and it’s unfenced,” Cr Jones said.

“Tanderra Park’s got more space and doesn’t have the same restrictions.” 

Cr Jones said the committee would also recommend additional fencing, signage and clean-up bag dispensers for existing off-leash areas. 

A poll on the Central Western Daily’s website revealed 71 per cent of people supported allowing dogs at Lake Canobolas and 29 per cent opposed it, but Cr Jones said there were strict rules on allowing dogs around barbecue areas, children’s playgrounds and environmentally sensitive areas.

He aid community consultation would also be carried out on the proposed changes.

Dog trainer Pam Davis said Orange was in need of a “really good, fenced off-leash area away from other groups”.

“We’re a little bit behind other cities around us. We don’t necessarily need more areas, we need suitable and more appropriate areas,” she said.

Ms Davis said it was important for dog owners to ensure they established a 100 per cent recall rate with their dogs before taking them to an off-leash area.

“People need to beware of how their dogs behave around other dogs,” she said.

“A worried dog can bit just as easily as an aggressive dog.” 

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au