11 March 2009

AMENDED NEWS RELEASE – REPLACES THE ONE SENT AT 8.32 THIS MORNING

Dog bylaw change applies to Paraparaumu/Raumati beach only

The relaxation in enforcement of the Kapiti Coast District Council’s Dog Bylaw 2008 applies only to the stretch of beach from Takitimu Road, Raumati to the Kapiti Boating Club, Paraparaumu Beach, Council’s Assets & Services GM, Gary Simpson said today.

“Some people seem to think Council’s decision not to enforce the bylaw on that beach means the whole bylaw has been withdrawn and it’s open slather on all beaches,” he said.

“This is definitely not the case. Neither is it the case, as reported earlier in the week, that dogs can “romp free” on Paraparaumu Beach.

The Bylaw rules have been temporarily put on hold in this area while the Council considers the request of local dog owners. However, all dog owners are required to have their dogs under control at all times as per the requirements of Section 5 of the Dog Control Act 1996.

It appears the vote on a section of the bylaw applying to that area of the beach was not recorded in the minutes of the December 11 meeting which voted on the details of the bylaw. The secretary’s notes, those of other officers and the recollection of the mover and seconder all confirm the vote was taken.

“In response to a request from a group of concerned dog owners, the Council will revisit this one section of the bylaw to ensure it fully reflects the views of all submitters. If the Council does decide to review this section of the Bylaw everyone will have the opportunity to make submissions and to have their views heard on that.

“The rules imposed by the Dog Bylaw 2008 for all other sections of the beach up and down the coast remain as they were confirmed at the December 11 2008 meeting and they will be enforced,” Mr Simpson said.

ENDS

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