A LOCAL koala group has raised wildlife safety concerns after council voted last month to allow dogs in more public places.
Councillors voted in March to amend dog laws, which will see pooches allowed to be walked on a lead at any time in the Wellington Point Reserve as well as Beth Boyd Park in Thorneside.
Other changes include dogs on leashes allowed along Redland Bay Esplanade, and in Yeo Park, along the foreshore at Victoria Point.
Pooches will not be allowed at Swamp Box Conservation Area, Capalaba.
Koala Action Group president Debbie Pointing said council already failed to enforce rules about dogs on leashes.
It comes after a koala was mauled by dogs at Henry Ziegenfusz Park in Thornlands in late 2020.
There were also reports a koala was attacked by a dog earlier this year Ormiston parkland.
"It just doesn't make sense - we've already got a well-known problem [with dogs off-leash], so why add to it?" Ms Pointing said.
"There's already so many places in the community where people can bring their dogs.
"Koala numbers are so low. We know they're relying more and more on parks so the parks need to be a safe haven."
She said it was vital that council step-up patrols and enforcement in public areas, including on weekends and in the early morning and late afternoon.
A council spokesperson said patrols had increased in areas where dog restrictions had changed.
"Owners are ultimately responsible for their pets and signage will be placed at these areas reminding dog owners of their obligations to keep their dogs on lead at all times," the spokesperson said.
The penalty for dogs being exercised off lead in an on-leash area is $266.
The spokesperson said council had identified two incidents in the last year where wildlife had been attacked in parks.
Community consultation ahead of the amendments showed people had mixed opinions about dogs in public places.
Some said dogs were part of the family and welcomed changes.
"It allows for dogs to go through new areas for exercise and enrichment," one submission said.
Others said irresponsible owners flouted rules and relaxing regulations would make the problem worse.