Pittwater Unleashed was formally constituted in January 2014 to address an increasing community need for improved channels of communication between families with dogs, and their local government. This community need arose primarily from a delayed response to the decision to find replacement dog swimming locations north of Bilgola Bends when Careel Bay was closed to dog swimming in May 2003.
Following the amalgamation of Manly, Warringah and Pittwater councils into the one Northern Beaches Council, Pittwater Unleashed and its companion organisation Manly Dogs, together represent the interests of the 56% of families across the LGA which include a dog. With a combined local support base of over 6,000 (as at Dec 2021) and a typical online reach of approximately 10,000 to 18,000, these two organisations arguably constitute the peak body locally for “all things dog”.
The alliance arrangement between Pittwater Unleashed and Manly Dogs sees Pittwater Unleashed provide a leadership role for matters affecting the northern parts of the LGA, while Manly Dogs acts similarly for matters affecting the southern parts. Both organisations have a focus on retaining and improving existing dog exercise areas, and on “reducing usage intensity” on these through allowing additional areas to be used for dogs to run and swim. Both organisations are committed to respectful and responsible dog ownership.
During the 2017 Local Government elections, Pittwater Unleashed made clear its “Triple-C” policy for Pittwater Ward: that dogs be permitted limited access to Certain parts of Certain beaches at Certain times of day.
Neither organisation aims to change the character of our neighbourhoods or our beaches. But both organisations promote evidence-based decision-making in the development of policy that delivers a fair share of public open space to all usage groups, including families with dogs.