Wattle Grove resident Judy Langmann, who lives near Australis Park, said she believes there is a real need for more off-the-leash dog parks in Liverpool.

``My children don't want to go in the park anymore because they are scared of all the dogs there,'' she said.

``Between the time the kids come home from school until about 6.30pm there can be five to six dogs there at a time off the leash.''

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998, when in a public place a dog must be under the effective control of a competent person by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash, unless they are in an approved off-leash area.

The two off-the-leash parks in Liverpool are at Lieutenant Cantello Reserve, Hammondville and Hoxton Park Recreation Reserve, Hoxton Park.

Mrs Langmann said many dog owners aren't aware of the rules. ``We have approached people nicely and asked them to put their dogs on a lead and we have gotten abuse back,'' she said.

``If people were aware of an off-the-leash park they might take them there.''

Paul Sillato, also from Wattle Grove, agrees Liverpool needs more dog parks.

``I would like to see a few more come into the area because the more spread out around the area they are the better,'' he said.

``We need to give people better access.''

Mr Sillato is on Liverpool Council's community and recreational panel which helped to establish the Hoxton Park off-the-leash park last year.

Liverpool Council general manager Phil Tolhurst said the council may consider new off-leash dog sites as part of the area's development.