Most want dogs leashed on beaches

Every dog will have its day, but perhaps not for too much longer unleashed on the beach

NEARLY three-quarters of respondents to a Gisborne Herald web poll agree that the city needs a new bylaw to keep dogs leashed on city beaches.

But opponents and supporters of the proposal also say Gisborne needs a dedicated dog park.

Gisborne District Council will decide on Monday whether to follow staff recommendations and approve a new dog control bylaw that would change the way dog owners are allowed to use beaches at Kaiti, Waikanae and Midway.

A report from the council’s enforcement officer said the changes to the bylaw were intended to address “increasing complaints” of dog attacks and uncontrolled dogs on the new Oneroa Walkway. They would also clarify the original intention of the bylaw to make Waikanae, Midway and Kaiti beaches on-leash areas only, except for the hours of 6am to 9am on days that are not school or public holidays.

Seventy-four percent of people responding to this week’s web poll agreed with this stance.

A total of 232 people responded to the poll, which asked if they thought people should have to keep dogs on leashes when on Waikanae, Midway and Kaiti beaches — 172 said yes and 57 said no.

There was “nothing worse” than being knocked over by a large and wet dog, said one person.

Most people supportive of the idea, also thought uncontrolled dogs were an issue at the city’s beaches.

“All people should feel safe when walking the beaches, without fear or being jumped on or attacked by dogs,” one said.

Another respondent suggested it would help improve Gisborne’s image for tourists.

“We love animals but we also love the beach. Tourists come here to see our beaches, not our dogs.”

It was also suggested by one person that dogs be leashed at Wainui Beach.

“ I’m tried of having my visitors’ and my peaceful walks disrupted by random dogs rushing at us, with or without owners in sight. Visitors comment about both the volume of dogs racing around, especially early morning and in evening, plus the volume of dog poo on grass verges, paths, and sometimes the beach.”

However, some of those in favour of the proposal said another area for off-lead dogs was needed away from beaches,

“GDC need desperately to provide value to dog owner fees by supplying a dedicated dog-only park,” said one.

Others agreed with that and some suggested a compromise.

“They should be able to walk off-leash on Kaiti Beach but not the other two. Also be allowed further along from Midway to the mouth of the big river.”

Another person said dogs must be able to be off-leash on the beach west of Midway.

“People in that part of the beach need to expect that dogs will be off-leash. If this bothers people they should be at Kaiti, Waikanae and Midway to avoid the dogs off-leash.”

Some opposed to the idea said there should be a dedicated section of beach for dog owners.

“It ain’t rocket science. Dogs are free to run.”

Another respondent said it was “fine” to ensure dogs were leashed on the Oneroa walkway but the suggestion to keep dogs leashed at all times was “puritanical”.

“Users get pinch-lipped even when your dog is on a leash and is clearly interested in nothing but smells at the smorgasbords that are our beach car parks.”