Push to end dog-free Bay

Caroline Bay's dog-free status could be about to end, with district councillor John Bradley pushing for some dogs to be allowed on the Bay.

At present dogs are allowed on the tidal area of Caroline Bay only between April 1 and September 30. They are not allowed on any other area of the Bay, including the boardwalk, regardless of whether or not they are on a lead.

Mr Bradley and council building and environmental services manager Dave Armstrong have been investigating an option that would allow those with selected owner policy – 11 per cent of the district's dog owners – on the Bay year-round with their dogs on a lead and under control.

Likely exceptions would be the children's play area, an area around the model train, and possibly the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden.

Mr Bradley, who describes himself as "not a dog nut", said the aim of his suggestion was to encourage people to get out and exercise with their dogs.

He noted Timaru had a high proportion of older people, many of whom had dogs.

"It's annoying to me that people who want to go for a walk with their dog cannot do so on the Bay or the main street," Mr Bradley said.

There were also older women who felt much safer if they had their dog with them, he said.

To him, it would be ideal for a person to be able to take their dog for a walk and then tie it up while they went into a cafe or restaurant.

In Britain and Europe it was common for dogs to be allowed in restaurants and bars, he said.

Mr Bradley noted in areas such as Takapuna in Auckland, dogs were allowed on the beach year-round, and did not have to be on a lead.

A bylaw change would be required to allow dogs on the Bay. Mr Armstrong said he would support the change as a way of recognising "good" owners who have achieved selected owner status.

He considered that giving people the option of exercising their dogs on Caroline Bay would also enhance the Bay.

Owners with selected owner policy must have fulfilled requirements relating to knowledge of the council dog control bylaw, fencing of the owner's property, the conditions the animal is kept in and whether there have been any complaints or incidents involving the dog. Those with SOP status pay a lower registration fee.

Mr Armstrong said the council has been strict in administering its dog control policies in Timaru recently, and he was confident "good" dog owners would not present a problem in the Caroline Bay area.

If an owner breached the rules they would lose their SOP status for a set time.

Breaches range from a 12-month stand-down period for failure to register a dog on time to a five-year stand-down for court prosecutions.

Mr Armstrong said it might make sense to also look at allowing dogs on The Bay Hill to give those wanting to dine outside at the restaurants a chance to do so with their pets.

- © Fairfax NZ News