Man seeks mayor's help on dog issues
EVAN HARDING
PROTECTIVE OWNER: Nigel Murch with his three chihuahuas, from left, Chester, Zara and Bella.
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An Invercargill chihuahua owner has asked Mayor Tim Shadbolt to put policies in place so big dogs stop terrorising little dogs in the city's parks and reserves.
Nigel Murch has written to Mr Shadbolt expressing his concern about the lack of control some dog owners have over their canines.
Mr Murch and his family own "three beautiful little chihuahuas" and regularly walk them along the Waihopai flood bank.
Large dogs off their leashes had scared their little dogs three times and he has had enough.
Mr Murch yelled at the big dogs that jumped at his chihuahuas but sometimes he got abused by their owners, he said.
Queens Park and Donovan Park were other areas where owners let their big dogs roam and "terrorise" little dogs and their owners, with Mr Murch yesterday recounting one unnerving encounter between his chihuahuas and a rottweiler.
"Chihuahuas don't handle it too well when being ambushed and blindsided by big dogs so I scoop them up," he said.
"It's unfair that wee dogs get targeted by big dogs and you can't chance that they aren't going to eat our wee dogs."
In his letter to Mr Shadbolt, Mr Murch suggested having honorary dog control officers walking the parks, saying he would be happy to become one.
He asked Mr Shadbolt whether cameras could be installed on the Waihopai flood banks to catch out irresponsible dog owners and suggested setting aside a particular section of the city for small dogs and another section for large dogs.
"I can see a large dog attacking and either maiming or killing a little dog or person," his letter says.
In his correspondence to the mayor, Mr Murch also raises the problem of dog poo.
"The amount of large clumps of poo is from big dogs, as little ones don't leave big turds.
"I carry plastic bags and clean up after our dogs but others do not, the flood bank is littered with poos at the moment," he says.
Mr Shadbolt said his office had made the council's dog control staff aware of Mr Murch's concerns regarding the issues raised.
"It might not be a bad idea to have the tiny breeds in one space and the rottweilers and pitbulls on another track," he said.
Mr Murch's call for some mayoral assistance follows the decision by the city council this week to review its dog control policy.
A council focus group will be formed to deal with issues such as defining walking tracks where dogs must be kept on leads and dealing with dog-fouling issues in the city's parks and reserves.
There are more than 7000 registered dog owners in Invercargill and Bluff.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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09:36 am Nov 24 2011
Agree with stephanie and poster # 16. Well said. Get off yr high horse Nigel.
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09:27 am Nov 24 2011
Is this article for real?? Please tell me it is a joke? Ugh . It is people like nigel who give other small dog owners a bad name. U cannot expect the city to revole around u & change things just cos u have a tiny dog, get over yourself. U sound like a total drama queen
Also Nigel - if you are SO worried about your wee dogs' safety from those horrible, vicious, big dogs who are always off a leash at this park then WHY, WHY, WHY do you keep bringing your dogs back??
Also - ITA with Ian B about small dogs and their snappy manners. That being said - if your dog (any dog - large or small) doesn't get along with other dogs, snaps at them or acts aggressive - then you shouldn't be taking them to public places. Period. Both my dogs are "socialized" on & off a leash and neither have ever had a problem with any dog they have encountered. Including those snappy, yappy dogs who get all crazy, barking, snarling and acting like they want to attack my dogs and the owner has to "scoop them up" to get THEM away from my dogs - who are both just standing there, quiet, uninterested and looking at the psychotic little dogs like they are, indeed, crazy. Just because a dog is little does not mean it is okay to take them out in public if they are aggressive or just cannot get along. And are you saying that just because a big dog can potentially "eat" your "wee" dog then they shouldn't be allowed at the park? And what exactly does your version of "terrorized" mean? If a big dog scares your "wee" dog simply with its presence and your dog goes all yappy-crazy at it; then does that mean the big dog is "terrorizing" your dog? Because to me; that situation sounds like its the little dog doing the terrorizing. I agree with a previous commenter - your little dogs can get the exercise they need running around in your garden so why not just let them do that since it seems like YOU are the one who can't get along?? Because if my little dog (silkie terrier) acted like other little dogs, yapping and barking and snarling, at a big dog just because the dog walked by them? I'd be leaving his butt at home.
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09:04 am Nov 24 2011
Each dog owner loves their own dog more. I believe every obedience lessons should be compulsory for all dogs. It teaches dog owners the proper etiquette of owning and socializing a dog of any size. People need to have a more open mind and also need to consider others and their dogs at all times in all situations. Banning one breed or segregating them by size wont achieve much. Education is the key.
Give me a break. I can't tell you how many times my "big" dog (pitt mix) has been "attacked" by some little yappy "wee" (LOL!) dog! And how is it the "dogs" fault if there is "poos" (again LOL) on the ground? Sounds like an OWNER problem; not a DOG problem. People like this guy are the reason "big" dogs have such a bad rap. Seriously dude - take your whining and "wee" dogs somewhere else - signed, owner of a big dog AND a "wee" dog.
Get real the flood bank is a farm and its popularity is that it is away from the built up city. Get over the fact that there might be a bit of "poo" on the ground this is a rural setting if he does not like the chance that he might see other big dogs out (i would love to know the definition of a big dog)and about and maybe a bit of poo the best suggestion i have is he buys a tredmill this way he can control what he finds out in nature.
I was at a pet day recently, and it surprised me that it was little dogs that went in for the attack more than big dogs did.
The way it is, we won't walk my dog because little dogs try attacking her.
Dogs dont have to be running free to be socialized. There are puppy play schools etc you can take your dogs to to socialize them. Smaller dogs prefer the company of other smaller to medium sized dogs rather than the more intimidating larger dogs.
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fffff what kind of man owns 3 chihuahuas? QUEEN much?