22 December 2004

Tips for old sea dogs

If you’re taking your dog out on the boat this summer, make sure you are aware of where it is permitted before you head off.

Auckland City’s dog bylaw sets out areas on the isthmus and Hauraki Gulf Islands where dogs are banned or where they are permitted if on or off a leash.

“There are varying rules for different islands in the Hauraki Gulf, so it’s important boaties are aware of the rules before they set out,” says Geoff Atherfold, team leader, compliance monitoring. “Dogs are an important part of the family and their inclusion in your holiday can be well managed with a bit of forethought and planning.”

Not everyone likes being around dogs, so it is important to be considerate of others in the vicinity. If a dog is not under sufficient control it can prove to be a nuisance, interfering with other’s activities, polluting beaches and posing a threat to wildlife.

Dogs are not permitted on the following islands: Motuihe Browns Island Rangitoto Motutapu Little Barrier Tiri Tiri Matangi Kermadecs Rotoroa

There is a range of areas on the other Hauraki Gulf Islands where dogs are permitted – either on or off a leash.

Owners must ensure their dogs are kept on a leash and under control in any public place that is designated as a leashed area in Auckland City’s dog bylaw.

Providing the dog is kept under control at all times, an owner may exercise their dog without it being on a leash in any area designated as either an off leash or dog exercise area.

For the full list of on leash, off leash and dog exercise areas on Auckland city’s isthmus and the Hauraki Gulf Islands, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dogexercise or call (09) 379 2020 to request a copy.

ENDS

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