By Alesha Capone
Rescue dog Hope is among the hundreds of staffies loved by Wyndham pet owners.
Wyndham council has released a list of most popular dog breeds registered in the municipality.
Jack Russell terriers placed first (with 1486 of the breed registered in Wyndham), followed by Staffordshire bull terriers (1398 dogs) and labradors (1319 dogs).
Cavalier King Charles spaniels were fourth (990 dogs), with German shepherds next (876 dogs).
There are a total of 21,030 dogs registered in Wyndham.
Hope’s owner, Manor Lakes resident Bec Davis, described her adorable pet as a “gentle soul” who always puts a smile on people’s faces.
Ms Davis said Hope was hit by a car at six months old and handed in to animal rescue.
She was adopted by Ms Davis and her family almost a year ago, and they aim to train her as a service dog.
“I’m a disability support worker and I’m hoping to eventually take her to work with me,” Ms Davis said.
“My youngest son is also autistic, so it would be good for him too.”
Wyndham’s climate futures and environment portfolio holder, Cr Robert Szatkowski, said that 16,702 households own one or more dogs in Wyndham.
He said the council’s annual community survey and engagement sessions have “showed a huge demand for additional dog off-leash areas, specifically fenced locations” in addition to the existing 18 dog off-leash areas in Wyndham.
Cr Szatkowski said the council was planning to develop more dog-friendly spaces in Wyndham, to cater for future demand as the population grows.
To provide feedback, attend a pop-up consultation session at Presidents Park from 4pm – 6pm on Wednesday, June 30; 8am – 11am on Thursday, July 1 at Tarneit Community Learning Centre; or 10am -12pm on Sunday, July 4 at Saltwater Reserve.
Alternatively, leave a comment at www.theloop.wynhdam.vic.gov.au/wyndham-dog-off-leash-approach by July 5.
