Walking your dog in the park should never come at the expense of the local wildlife that lives there.

However, following the deaths of six Black Swans at Albert Park in the past three months due to off-lead dog attacks, Parks Victoria is calling on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets and help keep native animals safe when visiting the park.

Give Albert Park’s swans space

Since 29 July this year, there have been seven incidents of off-lead dogs attacking Black Swans and their cygnets in Albert Park – six of which resulted in fatalities to the swans.

These attacks are distressing for the wildlife, Parks Victoria staff, and for the many people who love and care about Albert Park.

While the majority of dog owners who visit Albert Park do the right thing, we’re asking everyone to help us protect these birds, particularly while swans and cygnets are spending more time on land during the breeding season.

Dog owners are reminded that dogs must be kept on-lead at Albert Park, except in the two designated off-lead areas. This means dogs must be kept on lead on the paths and grassy areas surrounding the lake, in picnic areas, and playgrounds, and dogs are not permitted in the lake itself.

When walking, watch ahead, keep your dog close, and give swans, cygnets and other wildlife plenty of room.

Image: Visitors are reminded to take extra care around Albert Park's Black Swans and their cygnets during breeding season.

Increasing protections for wildlife at Albert Park

Following the recent attacks, Parks Victoria has increased Ranger and Authorised Officer patrols focusing on areas where swans are spending time on land. Fines may be issued to dog owners who breach park regulations.

We’ve also put up more signs reminding dog owners of their responsibilities and are installing improved CCTV.

These measures support wildlife protection, but owners remain responsible for controlling their dogs every time they visit.

Off-lead does not mean out of control

There are two off-lead areas in Albert Park. When dogs are in these off-lead zones, owners must carry a lead and be able to bring the dog under effective control if necessary.

A dog’s usual behaviour at home is no guarantee of how it will react to a bird moving across its path.

If wildlife is nearby, put your dog on a lead and move away calmly.

Download the Albert Park Dog Friendly Park Factsheet for more information about the two off-lead areas.

Know before you go

Many of our parks and reserves welcome dogs, but access varies between locations and sometimes between areas within the same park.

Dogs and other pets are not permitted in any of Victoria’s national parks, even on-lead.

These places provide important habitat for native animals, and choosing a dog-friendly destination helps protect the wildlife that lives there. Assistance dogs are welcome, subject to entry requirements.

Always check the Parks Victoria website before leaving home, read the park signage when you arrive, and keep your dog on a lead unless you are sure you’re in a designated off-lead area.

Responsible dog ownership when visiting parks

Responsible visits also mean picking up after your dog, taking any waste home with you, respecting other visitors, and following local signs.

Before your next walk, check where dogs are allowed, pack a lead and choose a route you can enjoy without disturbing wildlife.

A list of dog-friendly parks can be found here.

Our parks are shared spaces, but for native animals, they are home.

For wildlife, an encounter with an uncontrolled dog can have devastating consequences.

Keeping dogs on-lead where required is a simple action that can help prevent another avoidable death.