Dog owners well-behaved after bylaw change

Animal Control Officers are pleased with the number of dog owners keeping their pets on a lead while walking in urban areas of Hastings, after a bylaw change requiring this came into effect on December 1 2009.

The bylaw change means owners must keep their dogs on a lead at all times when in public urban areas, unless they are within one of the designated off-lead exercise areas.

The new rule aims to increase the level of control dog owners have on their pet, hopefully reducing the number of attacks on people and other animals.

In a recent survey conducted by Hastings District Council’s Animal Control Officers, 178 out of 208 dogs observed walking with their owners were on a lead as required.

Group Manager; Planning and Regulatory Services, John O’Shaughnessy says he had not expected such a high level of compliance so soon after the bylaw change.

“It’s good to see so many dog owners have got the message and are abiding by the rules. We’d like to thank those responsible dog owners for taking the new rules seriously.”

“So far we have only been issuing warnings, but in fairness to those who are complying we will now be taking a tougher line on those who do not have their dog on a lead.”

Mr O’Shaughnessy says officers would begin issuing $300 infringement notices to owners caught breaching the on-lead rules. The law also gives officers the discretion to seize and impound dogs found off-lead.

“Within the urban on-lead zone, we have set aside 21 areas such as parks and reserves where people can legally let their dogs off for a run, so there’s really no excuse for dogs to be off-lead in other public spaces,” Mr O’Shaughnessy

A full list of off-lead exercise areas can be found at http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/dog-exercise-areas

Anyone finding or observing a dog off-lead in an urban area or urban township can call a Hastings District Council Animal Control Officer on 871 5000 (24 hours).

Evidence such as cell phone photos or video can help officers enforce the bylaw.