The Fremantle Council has voted unanimously to prohibit dogs from playgrounds as part of its efforts to enhance safety for children and align its regulations with those of neighboring local governments. This decision was made despite community feedback indicating that 77 percent of respondents opposed or somewhat opposed the proposed policy.

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Under the new amendments, dogs will be banned from all playgrounds, as well as the conservation area of Sir Fredrick Samson Park, the Fremantle Arts Centre grounds, and Fremantle Oval. Initially, Prawn Bay and Rocky Bay Reserve were included in the ban, but an amendment preserved these areas as dog exercise zones.

While the original proposal sought to prevent dogs from coming within 5 meters of playgrounds, that specific requirement was removed due to concerns about limiting dog owners.

A new off-leash dog exercise area has been designated on Rule Street in North Fremantle. Community members attended the recent council meeting to share their views on the policy. Resident Mark Woodcock expressed that the policy adversely affects vulnerable community members who rely on their pets as companions. Christopher Wilson, another local resident, opposed the ban in Prawn Bay, noting its importance as a beloved exercise area for dogs. He described the alternative location on Rule Street as unsuitable for elderly individuals due to its distance and terrain.

Feedback on the proposed rule changes reached over 4,300 people through various outreach efforts, with 462 formal submissions received. Among respondents, 75 percent were dog owners or sitters, while 25 percent were not. Common concerns included confusion over dog regulations and conflicts between dog owners and other park users.

Responses to the amendments were polarized. About 38.1 percent supported no dog restrictions near playgrounds, whereas 34.2 percent favored selective playground restrictions or allowing leashed dogs, and 27.6 percent supported a total ban in all playgrounds.

Councilor Ingrid van Dorssen remarked on the community's divided opinion and pushed for an amendment to remove Prawn Bay and Rocky Bay Reserve from the list of banned areas. This amendment narrowly passed with a 5-4 vote. She argued that the proposed bans were unnecessary and that there had been no complaints regarding dog behavior in these areas.

Mayor Ben Lawver addressed concerns regarding Rule Street, stating that it needs improvements before it can be an effective exercise area. Councilor Andrew Sullivan proposed a plan for educational signage and a six-month transition period for the new regulations, which was unanimously approved. A proposal to allow dogs in established dog exercise areas, such as Beach Street Reserve, did not pass, facing an 8-1 vote against it due to hygiene and safety concerns.

Public notice about the amended policy will be made available for at least 28 days, after which signage will be installed and the new rules enforced.