Raglan’s ‘Ban the Dog’ signs have morphed into ‘Ban the Bomb’ signs. Dogs are banned in Bow Street, Raglan’s main street and there is a $300 fine for having a dog in this area. While many people in Raglan support this Waikato District Council bylaw, many residents object to the bylaw. Although there are large areas of Raglan where dogs are allowed, including some beaches, the Bow St dog exclusion zone is just one of the many issues where Raglan residents hold passionate opposing views.
Late last year, WDC staff painted several large yellow circles on Raglan’s footpaths. Inside the circle was a diagonal yellow strip and a no-dog message. Some people ignored the signs and brought their dogs into the exclusion zone anyway. Slowly the no-dog signs have weathered away.
But recently an unknown person has converted the footpath signs into white ‘Ban the Bomb’ signs. The ‘Ban the Bomb’ or CND symbol was designed by Gerald Holtom in 1958. The symbol later became a universal peace symbol used in many different versions worldwide.
As well as making changes to the footpath signs, the no-dog street post signs have been painted white so their message can no longer be read.