Views differ on easing dog bylaw
BY RHONDA MARKBY
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The possibility of dogs being allowed on Caroline Bay has received a mixed reaction from some of those who use the Bay.
People having lunch on the Bay yesterday had a variety of views.
While those spoken to were generally of the view that dogs on the Bay at some times were acceptable, there was also reticence over the idea, based on the number of small children that could be in the area and the concern that those taking their dogs to the Bay would not be able to control them.
Enjoying a picnic lunch at the Bay yesterday were Temuka couple Ian and Joy Haszard. While they were not dog owners, Mr Haszard considered such a move showed a "lovely approach to those responsible people [with dogs]" and considered it a good idea. Mrs Haszard was also in favour of such a change.
Living in Christchurch, where dogs were allowed on only certain parts of some beaches, dog owner Dave Cammock considered district councillor John Bradley's idea completely feasible. While he did not take his dog to the beach, he considered the Christchurch situation quite workable.
Not so keen to see dogs on the bay was Waimate dog owner Joy Kelly.
"You don't want them on the beach in summer. Children could pick up anything."
Mrs Kelly considered there were already enough parks where people could exercise their dogs without the Bay having to be opened up.
Even though he has been a dog owner, Ian Townsend was not convinced opening up the Bay was a good idea as some owners ignored the present bylaws, taking their dogs on to the beach outside the April-September period when it was allowed.
It annoyed him to find dog owners on the beach unable to control their pets, and he suspected any change would see that situation worsen.
- © Fairfax NZ News
