KEY POINTS:
Dog owners in Northland are getting their hackles up over a proposal to cut the hours dogs are allowed on beaches.
The Whangarei District Council is considering requests to make the districts' beaches dog-free from 9am to 5pm in summer. The current restriction is 10am to 4pm.
But dog owners say it's already hard enough to find space to exercise their pets, and are calling on the council to lift dog restrictions in public places.
In a submission, Onerahi resident Hana Ott said the sheltered Hatea River Walkway would be ideal for walking her dogs.
"I've lived in Whangarei for 18 years and the place for dogs to walk has become less and less." She said some people let their dogs run loose, but most were responsible.
Harry Hooker and Mary Stevens of Whareora Rd, Whangarei, suggested the Town Basin be declared a dog-friendly zone, and tighter controls on unregistered and dangerous dogs.
Tutukaka resident Carmen Beck opposed increasing beach restrictions.
Michelle Fischer said it was becoming increasingly difficult to take dogs anywhere. She suggested a mix of 'no dog' and dog friendly beaches. Others proposed compulsory fencing of properties with dogs, free sterilisation, and more dog- exercise areas.
- Northern Advocate
