Dog poo bag dispensers at Tauranga parks

Dog poo bag dispensers are being trialled in Tauranga parks and reserves.

One in four Tauranga households now owns a dog and to make it easier for people to pick up after their dogs, Tauranga City Council has begun trialling dog waste bag dispensers in local exercise areas.

Animal services team leader Brent Lincoln said the dispensers would make it easier for dog owners to clean up after their dogs and help keep Tauranga's parks and reserves clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.

"We wanted to make it as easy as possible for our residents to show courtesy for their fellow community members by picking up after their dogs - after all, no one likes stepping in dog waste, whether it's on a sports field or footpath," Mr Lincoln said.

"Picking up after your dog also means you are doing the right thing by the environment. When dog droppings are left outdoors and it rains, harmful bacteria from the droppings can be washed down the drains and end up in local waterways."

Mr Lincoln said 20 dispensers had been installed and he had already received positive feedback from the community. If the trial was successful then more dispensers would be installed at a later date, he said.

"Our Animal Services team has had some great comments from park users about the dispensers. People are really pleased that we're making it simple and convenient for dog owners to do the right thing."

People who don't pick up after their dogs risk a $300 fine.

Dog waste bag dispensers have been installed in the following parks, reserves and beach access ways:

• Fergusson Park (2)

• Kulim Park

• Memorial Park (2)

• Gordon Spratt Reserve

• Papamoa Domain beach access way (2)

• Waiariki Street

• Omanu Beach

• Tay Street beach access way

• Blake Park

• Gordon Carmichael Reserve

• Lakes - Lakeview Quay

• Yatton Park

• Waipuna Park

• Faulkner Street

• Pacific View beach access way

• Daisy Hardwick walkway (Maxwells Road end)

• Marine Parade (beach access way near Tweed Street)