Dog owners visiting East Fremantle Community Park will need to keep their pets on a leash during WAFL match days following a unanimous decision by the Town of East Fremantle Council. The change affects the dog exercise area located in the south-east corner of the park, which has operated as an off-leash space since the park's redevelopment in 2024.
Under the new conditions, the area will remain an off-leash dog exercise zone on ordinary days, but dogs must be restrained and under effective control whenever WAFL matches are being played at the venue. The rule was introduced after council considered safety concerns associated with larger crowds, temporary infrastructure, and increased activity around the football ground on game days.
The proposal was released for public consultation earlier this year. According to council documents, only one public submission was received, questioning whether the restriction was necessary and suggesting that the risks posed by off-leash dogs were relatively low. Despite that feedback, council officers recommended the change, arguing that a consistent rule would help reduce potential safety and crowd-management issues during sporting events.
Councillor Cliff Collinson noted that the dog exercise area occupies one of the best spectator locations around the oval, making it a popular gathering point for football fans during WAFL matches. The increased concentration of people in the area was considered a factor in the council's decision to require dogs to be leashed during events.
To ensure visitors are aware of the change, new signage will be installed throughout the park. Council officials have stressed that the restriction only applies on WAFL match days and that dogs can continue to enjoy off-leash access at all other times. The town has repeatedly emphasised that the measure is intended to balance the needs of dog owners with the safety of spectators and event attendees.
The rule change comes amid broader discussions about dog management policies across the Fremantle region. Local governments are reviewing how public open spaces can accommodate dog owners while also protecting recreational users, sporting activities, playgrounds, and environmentally sensitive areas.
The dog-leash requirement is not the only change taking place at East Fremantle Community Park. Permanent fencing is also being installed around the venue after WA Football advised that fencing was necessary to comply with WAFL safety regulations. The fencing requirement has generated discussion because the park was redeveloped with the expectation that it would remain largely unfenced.
Council believes the combined measures will help ensure the venue can continue hosting WAFL matches safely while maintaining community access and recreational opportunities outside event periods. For dog owners, the message is simple: enjoy the off-leash park as usual, but remember to bring a lead on game days.
