Whangarei cat-lovers could be limited to just two cats per property, if a proposed new bylaw goes ahead.
The Whangarei District Council has been debating changes to its bylaws - especially on pets and booze - and is now calling for public feedback on its proposals.
One of the biggest changes is a proposal to ban alcohol from the district's beaches all year round; the other is a proposal to limit the number of moggies per household.
If the new bylaws are passed in their present form, people wanting more than two cats would need special permission from the council. Previous public submissions had called on the council to bring in cat curfews to protect native birds; others had called for cats to be registered in the same way as dogs.
But many councillors at yesterday's meeting felt that was going too far.
Councillor Robin Lieffering said the council was merely responding to complaints from the public, and the idea of limiting cat numbers was the least restrictive bylaw possible.
"We're not out there monitoring cats, bees or pigs. Let the public decide whether they like these changes or not," she said.
Curiously, the proposal contained a typographical error - it was originally intended to limit the number of cats per household, without special permission, to three.
Compliance manager Nicholas Fowler told the Advocate he would be putting in a submission that the number be raised from two to three to correct the slip-up.
Council bylaws and the Dog Act already limit the number of dogs, aged three months or older and kept on a property longer than 72 hours, to two.
Anyone registering three or more dogs on one property has to get a paid permit as well as a written agreement from immediate neighbours.
The new bylaws make it clear that beaches are permitted exercise areas for dogs, as are parks and reserves in Kamo, Tikipunga, Maunu, Central Whangarei, Onerahi, Morningside, Hikurangi, Raumanga. Ruakaka, Bream Bay and One Tree Point.
In designated exercise areas, owners are allowed to let their dogs off the leash - but have to maintain control at all times and restrain their pet if necessary.
However, the Department of Conservation bans dogs from certain beaches, particularly when shore birds are breeding.
Submissions on the proposed new bylaws can be made in writing by Friday, July 20, to compliance manager Nicholas Fowler.
Anyone who wants to make an oral submission to the council will have a chance to do so.
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