Horses have become a common sight on footpaths, council reserves, playgrounds, road berms and the like at Whatuwhiwhi and Tokerau Beach, and local Te Hiku Community Board member Lawrie Atkinson is not impressed.
"This is not the Wild West," he said, and the damage hooves were doing to reserves, andpiles of excrement that were being left on footpaths, was not appreciated.
A recent weekend had been particularly irksome, the booking officer for the Karikari Hall turning up to inspect the facilities before an unveiling encountering a pile of horse dung in front of the entrance to the hall.
"This behaviour by the horse owners is totally unacceptable," Mr Atkinson said.
"Horses should not be on public reserves, playgrounds and footpaths.
"It is also unlawful to tether horses on properties within a residential area.
"The Karikari Peninsula residents have pride in their part of Aotearoa New Zealand, and have worked hard to achieve the few facilities they now enjoy. To those few people responsible, please exercise decency and consideration for others within your community."
Anyone having trouble with horses was invited to contact the Far North District Council's environmental protection manager, Barry Webb, on 0800 920-029, or Mr Atkinson on 408-7565.
