On the Coromandel we are lucky to be able to take our best canine buddies almost anywhere, whether it's down to the beach or for a stroll into town for a bite to eat. What you might not realise is that you need to have your dog on lead in most areas unless specified.

We have noticed an increase in both formal and informal complaints around dog issues in our district. Our bylaws team will be spending more time stopping and talking to dog owners about our local rules especially if dogs aren't on-lead where they should be. They will have information to share on our dog control bylaw and a free dog lead for you to take home.

This is to make sure everyone can enjoy our public spaces and there's a safe environment for dog and non-dog people.

We are running the 'Lead the way' campaign over spring so our local communities can help us set the scene for when visitors come over the busy summer period. The idea is if locals follow the rules and have their dog on a lead in public, then visitors will follow that lead.

Our Dog Control Bylaw: We have dog controls in place to strike a balance between our diverse community needs and preferences. We also have legal requirements under the Dog Control Act 1996 for community health and safety, and to provide exercise and recreational opportunities for dogs and their owners. We've also considered the need to protect indigenous wildlife such as New Zealand dotterel and kiwi. Dogs are usually prohibited from protected bird habitats from Labour Weekend to 1 March, which is during dotterel breeding season.

Dogs on beaches: In between 20 December and 31 January and public holiday weekends, most beaches have time restrictions for when dogs are allowed on the beach, if at all.

Walking your dog on-lead: It is important to remember that dogs need to be on-lead when walking around our local roads and town centres. We provide off-leash dog exercise areas which are sign posted and can be found on our website.

• If you're in doubt about when and where you can walk your dog, keep an eye out for signs and maps, pop into one of our Council offices or head to our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogrules.

• For information on dog access to conservation land check www.doc.govt.nz.

A responsible dog owner…

• Picks up their dog's poo. Please carry bags with you or use one of our dog poo bag dispensers across the district.

• Carries a lead at all times and has their dog under control when off-lead. Unless you are in a designated dog exercise area, you must have your dog on a lead.

• Ensures their dog is registered and wears a registration tag at all times. If your dog is registered in another district, an ID with your name, address and mobile phone number will help if your dog gets lost or picked up by a Dog Control Officer.

• Makes sure their dog has access to shade, fresh drinking water and never leaves their dog in a hot car.

• Remembers the five-second rule: Whenever you take your dog outside, place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't hold it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog.

• Makes sure their property has somewhere to keep their pet safe, secure and under control (and in the shade) where they will not be a nuisance to neighbours.

www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogs

© Scoop Media