Dogs on leash at Oneroa

Council are calling for dog owners to be aware of the rules around where dogs must be on a leash in public, after several incidents of uncontrolled and unleashed dogs attacking both people and other dogs along the Oneroa walkway were reported.

“Our Dog Control Bylaw lists the public places where you can exercise your dog on a leash and where you can’t,” says enforcement manager Jim Single.

At the Environmental and Regulatory meeting yesterday (Wednesday 21 October), the Committee recommended the Bylaw be amended to make wording clearer that the walkway was included as part of the beaches listed in Schedule 2 of the Bylaw.

“No changes have been made to the rules or locations listed in the bylaw,” says Mr Single,

“We’ve just added more explanation to the city beaches that are listed in the on-leash areas under Schedule 2 of the Bylaw, to make it more clear where leashes should be used on the Oneroa cycle and walkway.”

The new explanation says:

• The areas in which dogs may be exercised only when on a lead or harness includes Kaiti, Waikanae and Midway (to Pacific Street) Beaches and associated foredune* including walkways and adjoining public places.

• *Foredune means “the ground between the water’s edge or sandy part of the beach and cultivated land including any adjoining public places along the beach or waterfront.”

The new wording will also make it clear when and where you can exercise your dog without a leash:

• In the areas listed in Schedule 2 between the hours of 6am and 9am, except during school and public holidays where dogs must be on a leash at all times.

• The beach from Pacific Street to the Waipaoa River.

• All other beaches not specified in Schedule 2.

“Dog on-leash signs are up on the walkway already,” says Mr Single, “We’ll also be promoting these messages on Facebook and with local vets and dog associations.”

Dog waste bag dispensers are also being trialled along the walkway at The Cut, Grey Street, Roberts Road this month “They dispense plastic bags for picking up your dog’s business, we encourage people to use them and if they work well we’ll look at installing others.”

People can provide their feedback on the dispensers and explanation of the Bylaw on Council’s website and Facebook page from Saturday 24 October to Monday 9 November.

A full review of the Dog Control Bylaw is scheduled for 2016.

ENDS

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