Dog owners want longer leash for walks on beach

Dog owners are getting their hackles up over a proposal to cut back the hours dogs are allowed on beaches.
As part of its bylaw review, the Whangarei District Council is considering requests to make the districts' beaches dog-free from 9am to 5pm during summer. The current restriction is 10am to 4pm.
But dog owners say it's already hard enough to find space to exercise their pets, and are calling on the council to lift dog restrictions in public places such as the Hatea River Walkway, which follows the river from the Town Basin to Mair Park and the Whangarei Falls.
Among those to make a submission on the proposal last week was Onerahi resident Hana Ott, who said the sheltered Hatea River Walkway would be ideal for walking her dogs, Jazz and Whaea.
"I've lived in Whangarei for 18 years and the place for dogs to walk has become less and less."
She said some people let their dogs run loose, but most dog owners were responsible and should be supported.
Ms Ott wrote her submission from her dogs' perspective.
"On behalf of my owner Hana Ott, myself Jazz and my girlfriend Whaea, would you please be more understanding of our needs (I know it's hard for humans) and make exercise fun and possible ... Keep it simple and harass the two-legged ones if they don't manage us properly.
"Even though I'm 12, I'm not ready to become a couch dog for not having suitable places to go to."
Harry Hooker and Mary Stevens of Whareora Rd suggested the Town Basin be declared a dog-friendly zone, and that the council tighten controls on unregistered and dangerous dogs.
Tutukaka resident Carmen Beck opposed increasing beach restrictions, saying dog owners did not want to be marginalised.
"A responsible dog owner will not approach a crowded beach even if it is before or after the restricted timeframe, and will respect other peoples' right for a dog-free time at the beach."
Michelle Fischer said that, despite New Zealand's spaciousness, it was becoming increasingly difficult to take dogs anywhere.
"Why not have a few `no dog' beaches and a few dog friendly beaches where families can enjoy the summer together with their companions?"
Other submitters have proposed alternatives such as a fees review, compulsory fencing of properties with dogs, free sterilisation, and more dog-exercise areas.