One of Hamilton's dog parks: Days Park.
Hamiltonians are being asked how they use the facilities the city provides for dog owners to exercise their pets, and whether they have any ideas on how they can be improved.
Council is using the review of the current dog control policy and bylaw as an opportunity to create a
long-term plan for dog exercise areas in the city. National Dog Database statistics show there are 530,359 dogs registered in New Zealand, and 10,522 of them are in the Hamilton City district. These figures are for the current registration year, which ends on June 30.
The survey is being sent to dog obedience clubs and the 2000 dog owners who have registered their email addresses with council. Answers will provide feedback on the dog exercise areas in 15 of the city's parks. The wider community is also being invited to complete the survey and can access it via on a link on the council's website.
Cr Angela O'Leary, who is part of the working group of councillors reviewing the policy, says she wants Hamilton to be a much more dog friendly city. "For many people, dogs play an important role in family life," she says. "We want to create a long-term plan to provide family and dog friendly parks by making areas safe and fun for people and their pooches."
People have until July 7 to complete the questionnaire. Results will be discussed by the Strategy and Policy committee in September.
