Council Adopts New Dog Control Policy

Changes to the Christchurch City Council’s Dog Control Policy were ratified at today’s Council meeting. From today, dog owners will not be allowed to take their dogs on to Sumner Beach between Gollans Point (commonly known as Mr Whippy Corner) and Cave Rock during the summer months of daylight saving.

The area from Gollans Point to Shag Rock will be available for leash free dog exercising, although dogs will have to be under effective voice control.

Dogs will also have limited access to the area from the surf club at New Brighton to a point 100 metres south of the pier. Restrictions will also apply to the areas 100 metres either side of the surf clubs at Spencer Park beach, Waimairi beach, North Beach and South Brighton beach. Between 8am and 8pm, during the summer months of daylight saving, dogs will only be allowed in these areas for the purpose of passing through and will have to be on a short leash.

“These changes have been made to improve hygiene and safety standards in popular Christchurch beach areas during the summertime,” said Councillor Sue Wells, chairperson of the Council’s Regulatory and Consents Committee. “Most beach areas will still be available for dogs to enjoy. The new summertime restrictions apply to just 1.2 kilometres of more than 19 kilometres, between the Waimakariri River mouth and Southshore Spit.”

A number of ecologically sensitive sites have also been added to the Policy’s list of public spaces, where dogs are prohibited or required to be restrained. “These regulations are designed to protect birds in important wildlife areas from being disturbed or harmed by dogs,” Cr Wells said

The amended policy includes the requirement that dogs not be allowed within one metre of children’s play areas in parks. The public must be further consulted on this section of the policy before it can be made legal. Dog owners and the public were given the opportunity to comment on all proposed changes to the Dog Control Policy earlier this year.

The new policy is available from the Environmental Services Unit, Civic Offices and on the website www.ccc.govt.nz/policy Signage, pamphlets and advertising will also be used to inform people of the changes.

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