We’re proud to share that Best Bark has been featured by Belfast Live for our support of Unleashed Dog Adventure Park near Moira. The piece highlights the local backing for this small, family run park as it faces planning hurdles.
Unleashed Dog Adventure Park is a one point five acre, private, fully fenced field near Moira and has been open since 2021. It is a private, bookable, fully fenced space where dogs can run safely off lead. Sessions are capped at small numbers so owners can relax and dogs can enjoy proper exercise without stress. That model matters for anxious dogs, rescues, and dogs with strong prey drive. It keeps wildlife safe and reduces conflict in busy public parks.
The park is run by mother and daughter team Eileen and Clare, who have built a calm, well managed space for dogs of all temperaments.
What is Happening
Earlier this year, the Planning Appeals Commission upheld concerns about potential noise from the site, including owners “talking and laughing,” which has put the park’s future at risk. Unleashed is now resubmitting its planning application with a formal Noise Impact Assessment.
The owners say there have been no upheld noise complaints and that Environmental Health has not raised objections during four years of operation. They limit dog numbers per session and have adjusted opening hours.
Why This Matters
Safe, secure off lead spaces are still rare in Northern Ireland. Demand for dog friendly spaces is rising, but provision has not kept pace. When well managed, private hire parks like Unleashed take pressure off public parks, protect wildlife, and give more dogs the chance to exercise safely. Supporting them is good for dog welfare and for community harmony.
How You Can Help Today
1. Send a planning comment
Email the council planning team and quote the current application reference. Keep your points focused on planning considerations.
What to include
• Countryside fit and appropriate land use
• Capped numbers per session and managed access
• Acoustic evidence from the submitted Noise Impact Assessment
Where to send it
• planning@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
• Reference: LA08/2025/0860/F
Short and clear messages help. Share why secure, bookable off lead spaces are needed and how Unleashed is managed to control noise and traffic.
2. Donate to help cover costs
Professional reports and application fees are expensive for a small rural business. If you can, donate to Unleashed’s community fundraiser.
Every amount helps. GoFundMe
3. Share the story
Post on your socials using #SaveUnleashed. Tag Best Bark and Unleashed to help more local dog owners see it. The wider the support, the better.
The Bigger Picture
Best Bark maps, promotes, and reviews dog friendly places across Northern Ireland. We want to see more secure off lead spaces included in local recreation planning, with reasonable regulation and evidence led decisions. Parks like Unleashed show how this can work in practice.
Recent coverage across local media shows just how many people care about this issue. From news reports to community posts, the message is simple. Keep well run, bookable dog parks open where they are needed.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has already spoken up, donated, and shared the story. Your support keeps tails wagging. If you have used Unleashed and found it helpful for your dog, please consider sending a short planning comment today and sharing the fundraiser with a friend.
