Auckland local boards are proposing a raft of changes to dog access rules. Photo / Thinkstock
Auckland local boards are proposing a raft of changes to dog access rules around the region - including a complete ban on dogs at Shoal Bay on the North Shore.
Dogs are currently allowed in the bay as long as they are on a leash, however in its proposal summary
the Kaipatiki and Devonport-Takapuna Local Boards are looking to ban dogs all together.
It said feedback it received from environmental groups and Auckland Council and biodiversity staff showed there were concerns the presence of dogs were a danger and a nuisance to vulnerable nesting and feeding shorebird species.
It added a complete ban would better protect vulnerable foreshore wading birds feeding, nesting and high tide roosting areas.
Planned changes by the other local boards offered a mixed bag of offerings for local dog owners, as an attempt to balance wildlife protection and public safety with the needs of dogs and their owners was made.
