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Council adopts dog control policy
Changes to the city's Dog Control Policy have been ratified by the City Council. Dog owners are now not be allowed to take their dogs on to Sumner Beach between Gollans Point (commonly known as Mr Whippy Corner) and Cave Rock during the months of daylight saving. The area from Gollans Point to Shag Rock is available for leash-free dog exercising, although dogs have to be under effective voice control. Dogs also have limited access to the area from the surf club at New Brighton to a point 100m south of the pier. Restrictions will also apply to the areas 100m either side of the surf clubs at Spencer Park beach, Waimairi beach, North Beach and South Brighton beach. From 8am ¨C 8pm during daylight saving, dogs are only allowed to be passing through these areas and have to be on a short leash. "These changes have been made to improve hygiene and safety standards in popular Christchurch beach areas during the summertime," says Councillor Sue Wells, chairperson of the Regulatory and Consents Committee. "Most beach areas will still be available for dogs to enjoy. The new summertime restrictions apply to just 1.2km of more than 19km between the Waimakariri River mouth and Southshore Spit." A number of ecologically sensitive sites have also been added to the Policy's list of public spaces where dogs are prohibited or required to be restrained. "These regulations are designed to protect birds in important wildlife areas from being disturbed or harmed by dogs," Cr Wells says. The amended policy includes the requirement that dogs not be allowed within 1m of children's play areas in parks. The public must be further consulted on this section of the policy before it can be made legal. Dog owners and the public were given the opportunity to comment on all proposed changes to the Dog Control Policy earlier this year. The new policy is available from the Environmental Services Unit, Civic Offices and at www.ccc.govt.nz/policy on the website. Signage, pamphlets and advertising will also be used to inform people of the changes. |