Final reminder: Dog owners urged to clean up at local ovals

Published on 29 May 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council is issuing a final reminder to dog owners to clean up after their pets when using Council-owned ovals, following continued reports of dog droppings being left behind.

Despite earlier warnings and a trial monitoring period, the issue persists and is putting public health and community access to these spaces at risk.

Council has made it clear: if there is no significant improvement, dogs will be banned from all Council-managed ovals.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said it’s important that we keep our public spaces safe and clean for everyone who uses them, especially children and sports clubs.

“Dog waste left on ovals poses a health risk and undermines the efforts of those who do the right thing,” he said.

Dog faeces can carry bacteria and parasites that remain in the soil, presenting a particular risk to people involved in sport and physical activity.

“We’re asking for community cooperation to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy our ovals,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.

“We want to keep our ovals safe, clean, and open to everyone, but this relies on shared responsibility and respect for others using these public spaces.”

Council will continue monitoring the situation closely.

Council encourages all dog owners to do the right thing and clean up after their pets - the last thing Council wants to do is restrict access to these valued community spaces