Community calls for dialogue to preserve Central Park’s off-leash zone

The off-leash dog zone at Central Park, Bandar Utama — a well-loved feature of the community for nearly two decades — now faces an uncertain future following an order by the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ) to demolish the fenced area. The directive, dated 7 October 2025, requires the zone to be vacated and removed by 21 October, sparking widespread dismay among residents and dog owners.

The facility, long regarded as a safe and vibrant spot for pets and their owners, is one of the few spaces in Petaling Jaya where dogs can exercise freely within a secured perimeter. Since its establishment, it has also functioned as a social hub where residents — with or without pets — interact, fostering a sense of community within the dense urban setting of Bandar Utama.

A petition launched by local group Happy Pets on Change.org has garnered 2,863 signatures as of early November, reflecting the strong public sentiment to retain the space. Many residents view the park not merely as a recreational facility, but as a shared community asset that promotes wellbeing, responsible pet ownership, and inclusivity.

Confusion over directive

MBPJ’s order has prompted questions about the decision-making process and communication between local authorities and residents. According to reports in the New Straits Times and The Star, the council cited “encroachment and unapproved construction activities” as reasons for the directive, referencing provisions under the 2005 Park By-Laws. However, subsequent reports indicated that all upgrade works at the park had been temporarily suspended pending community feedback, with MBPJ acknowledging that the land had been gazetted as a public reserve in 2008.

Community members remain unsettled by the lack of clarity on what constitutes the alleged “unapproved” structures, as the fenced dog zone had coexisted harmoniously with other park features for years. Several residents pointed out that MBPJ assumed maintenance of Central Park only in August 2024, raising concerns about the timing and rationale of the new order.

Adding to the confusion, some online discussions referred to the area as a “canine training school” — a claim locals insist is misleading. The fenced zone, they clarified, has hosted occasional community events, dog-owner meetups, and public education sessions, but never functioned as a commercial training facility.

Calls for dialogue and inclusive solutions

The dispute has evolved into a broader debate about how public spaces are managed and how residents are consulted on decisions that affect their neighbourhoods. Long-time community members have voiced frustration over what they describe as insufficient engagement by MBPJ and a lack of transparency about the park’s redevelopment plans.

Several residents have since proposed a town hall meeting to bring together MBPJ officials, the developer, local residents’ associations, and state representatives. They believe such a forum could mirror successful public consultations from earlier years.

Community members are also appealing for leadership from the local assemblyperson, who serves as a Selangor State Executive Council member, to facilitate discussions and ensure that decisions align with both regulatory requirements and community needs.