Dog banning signs for playing fields

NEW portable dog banning signs have been distributed by the Manawatu District Council for use on playing fields after a recent incident at Victoria Park, Feilding, in which a rugby coach was bitten by an “excitable mutt”.

The signs, to be pegged out on the grounds before each sporting event, indicate council’s desire to prevent any injury for players and spectators and to keep the playing fields free of faeces and urine.

Senior Environmental Officer, Colin Perrin, said council had used similar signs in the past and their reintroduction was a timely reminder on the obligations and responsibilities faced by dog owners.

He said dogs were prohibited at all times from Feilding’s major playing fields at Victoria, Timona, Johnston and Kowhai Parks.

Feilding Saturday Morning Rugby organiser, Kerrin Beatson, welcomed the swift response and said it showed that council was serious in ensuring safety for the more than 400 people that were often on Victoria Park at any one time.

Mr Beatson said the attack occurred when a dog, on a lead, launched itself at a coach who was running up the sideline and bit him on the arm. The coach required medical treatment and needed time off work. Animal control was called and the dog’s owner issued with a warning.

“That incident showed we can’t have dogs, even if they are on a lead, amongst people who are running up and down a field. If the dog sees someone fall, it may be too inviting for the animal not to respond.”

He said the Saturday Morning Rugby committee had taken its own stance and issued an edict that no dogs would be allowed on the park during Saturday morning games and Thursday night training. Notices on this decision had been distributed to all players and managers.

“It’s been a growing concern for some time,” said Mr Beatson. “You see dogs running loose every time we turn up at the start of the day – even though it’s an absolute no-no. I had to approach three people last Saturday and explain the situation. We intend enforcing the ban and will call animal control if owners don’t adhere to the request.”

Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said the message that dogs were not permitted on playing fields needed to be continually emphasised.

“If you get bitten once, you don’t want to be bitten again,” he said, “so it’s important that authorities and organisers are seen to be taking appropriate preventative action.”