A regular bone of contention is up for debate as the Timaru District Council reveals its proposed new dog control bylaw.

The proposed bylaw removes a number of restricted areas while adding two new dog exercise areas in the Temuka and Pleasant Point domains. Other key changes are for dogs to be allowed to be walked off the lead on tracks in the Scenic Reserve, and to be on the Caroline Bay boardwalk and walkways as long as they are on the lead.

The proposal will be open for submissions from November 10 until December 10.

Submissions will be heard in February next year, and the bylaw will be adopted in March.

Last year dog owners were up in arms after the council ruled that dogs needed to be on leads when on scenic walkways.

Timaru dog owner Carol Keelty was one of many who petitioned the council. She was pleased the draft allowed dogs to be off the lead on Scenic Reserve tracks but concerned they would have to be on a lead when walking the salt water track.

"The scenic changes are fantastic. It is a bit of a concern dogs have to be on leads on the salt water creek as a lot of people use that as a dog exercise area.

They will end up squashing everyone into one area again," she said.

"It is better to have options. If I go for a walk with my dog on a leash it is not enough exercise for it.

"Bigger dogs especially need to be able to go for a run."

In Timaru the areas dog owners can exercise without having their dogs on a leash are Ashbury, Marchwiel, Redruth and West End parks, with the exception of sportsgrounds and playgrounds. South and Waimataitai beaches can still be used along with the Caroline Bay beach tidal area between April 1 and October 1.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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