Media release
October 6, 2004

Commonsense approach to
dogs and the community

New dog regulations are now in force.

Under revised Waitakere City Council dog policy, the new dog exercise bylaw ensures community safety while providing for the needs of dogs and their owners.

The bylaw balances submissions from dog owners who feel restricted in being able to fully exercise their dogs properly with those who have had bad experiences through dogs not being properly under control.

Under the new bylaw, dogs must be on a leash in all public places, including Waikumete cemetery and most beaches. They are prohibited from sportsfields, playgrounds, picnic areas, fitness apparatus, vulnerable wildlife areas and Piha South for the busy daylight savings period. Off-leash areas are all reserves (except the coastal part of Harbourview), part of Bethells Te Henga (all year) and part of Piha North (all year).

The Council will be looking at identifying additional off leash beach areas where dogs can be fully exercised and able to swim. These areas will be subject to consultation to reach all round acceptable situations. Even in off-leash areas, dogs must be under control by their owners. This means owners must be able to call their dogs to heel when necessary.

“The Council is steering a course to accommodate needs of dogs, their owners and those who want assurance that children, their pets and they themselves will not have to bear the brunt of problems arising from irresponsible dog ownership,” says Waitakere City Public Affairs Manager Dai Bindoff.

“The Council believes it has taken a common sense approach to the issue of dogs in public places. The key is to educate everyone on good practice around dogs, understanding dog behaviour as well as good training for dogs,” he says.

ENDS

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