Construction of the off-leash dog area began last week much to the surprise of some residents on Cannonbar and Teragion streets who claim to have not heard about the new area at the park across the road.

Local resident Kathy Korn believes there were much better spots for the off-leash area around the town.

“They [the council] have chosen the parkland between the tennis courts and bowling club. I know that other areas could have been chosen, but no they have destroyed the parkland with a massive area fenced off with industrial fencing,” she said. 

“Me and my neighbours bought our homes in this area because of the parkland and sporting facilities, this affects all the homes in our area, which were not informed of this site. The mayor Ray Donald has told me legally the council does not have to inform residents of these decisions.”

Bogan shire mayor Ray Donald said the decision for the off-leash area was made at the August council meeting, shortly before the council went into caretaker mode for the 2016 council election. 

“It probably didn’t get advertised as well as it should of. We had the option of five sites, but we chose that one because the location is central in town,” he said. 

“People are currently exercising their dogs on Larkin Oval, and they’re doing what dogs do. I don’t believe [this area] will inhibit anyone.”

Other residents around the area have voiced concerns about the dog droppings and the proximity to local schools and sporting facilities. 

Ms Korn, who owns two dogs, said she is not the only one upset about the area and encourages other upset people to contact the council. 

“If you agree with my feelings on this you had better contact the shire as the fence is being built this very moment,” she said.