19 October 2011

Dog Ban Reinforced

Waikato District Council is taking action to reinforce the ban on dogs in the central business areas of Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Tuakau, Raglan and Te Kauwhata this summer. Dog owners will be fined $300 for dogs on or off the lead in these areas.

General manager regulatory Nath Pritchard says the ban was introduced for the central business areas of our Waikato towns because of the actions of a few irresponsible dog owners.

“Aggressive, confrontational dogs and owners who refuse to pick up dog excrement off the street have made the ban necessary.
“It’s unfortunate the selfish actions of a few dog owners means one rule for all, but we do have 17 dog exercise areas in the Waikato district where dogs can be off the lead, including many of our reserves and beaches,” he said.

Many of the dogs brought into the banned areas are owned by visitors. To ensure the message is visible, the council has increased signage in the affected areas and animal control officers will be on duty to actively enforce the ban.

For more information on Waikato district dog exercise areas and the dog bylaw visit the Animals section of the council’s website www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz. To contact the animal control team please call 0800 492 452.

ENDS