There's no bones about this protest

By BERNARD ORSMAN

Esther Irving and another 100 or so dog owners unleashed their pets in a Ponsonby park to convince politicians that dogs and people can get along fine without new rules.

There were a lot of wagging tails, the odd bark, but no sign of trouble.

Typical of the owners was 83-year-old Esther Irving, of Parnell, who said her dog, Peppy, should be able to run around the city's parks without ridiculous restrictions.

Stephen Eccles showed up to protest at plans to limit the hours and areas in St Heliers where he can exercise his dog, Hunter.

The protest followed rising concerns among dog owners at the restrictions placed by councils on their pets, especially after Carolina Anderson was mauled by a dog in January.

Last week, protesters went to Auckland City meetings to push their message.

Yesterday, they took to Western Park, Ponsonby, for a "Family Dog Day Out" despite a warning from Auckland City officers that dog owners should not breach bylaws against dogs at public assemblies.

Dog owner Julie Helean, of Grey Lynn, said parks were for all ratepayers to use and that included being able to walk dogs and allow them to run around. She said her labrador-cross, Pippen, was not a biter.

"People who own dogs are quite into physical activity, it's an hour's exercise a day and that takes us into parks," she said.

"We want our dogs to be able to have a run, particularly for the bigger breeds which need a good stretch."

The event was organised by DOG, which claims 500 members since it was set up three weeks ago to fight plans to restrict where and when people can exercise their dogs in public parks.

"We are here to prove a point that dogs are safe if under the control of their owners either off the lead or on the lead," said DOG president Dr Cathy Casey.

"There is no reason why dogs can't have off-the-lead access to all parks in Auckland," she said.

"All of our members show a commitment to the dog and take responsibility for it.

"The dog that savaged Carolina Anderson was not a dog that was under the control of its owner.

"But most dogs are safe animals when they under the control of their owner."

Auckland City Mayor attended the protest.

"You are very welcome in this city. Across the city community boards are reviewing dog laws and implementing plans about where you can and can't take your dog, so be very vigilant," Mr Banks said.

"A lot of these people don't have the same views I have on this."

He said the problem was not with the dogs, but with irresponsible owners who could be dealt with under the "sound, sensible and reasonable" laws he put in place as Minister of Local Government.