Dog owners getting the message

Auckland City Council welcomes the decline in reported cases of dogs not on leads around the city.

The city’s compliance monitoring manager, Barry Smedts, says dog owners are getting the message that dogs have to be on leads in public places.

“It is very encouraging that our dog patrol officers have seen an obvious decrease in the number of dogs off leases around our parks and beaches,” says Mr Smedts.

The only places where dogs can run freely are within exercise areas designated by local community boards. In a further move to boost the safety campaign, Auckland City will add another 200 signs promoting dog exercise areas during the next week.

Mr Smedts said the blitz was enjoying strong public support – and it was needed to ensure law breaking dog owners stopped putting the public at risk.

“I would also like to thank all those responsible dog owners who are doing the right thing. We would really appreciate their continued support to make the city’s parks, reserves and beaches safe for all to enjoy,” he said.

“The additional signage will help both dog owners and the public to be aware of the presence of unleashed dogs in these designated areas,” says Mr Smedts.

Attached is a list of parks and reserves where dog owners can exercise their dogs off leads. Note all dogs must remain on a lead within the Auckland Domain and Cornwall Park, as these parks are not deemed dog exercise areas.

Forty dog owners were issued with instant $200 fines in the past seven days for failing to have their dogs on leashes in public places.

For further information visit our website at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogs.

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