When and where you can take dogs in Raglan is always a talking point around town and often spills over onto heated discussions on Facebook. Many find the present dog rules to be irritating while other people like the rules that keep dogs out of Bow St and parks. Another dislike are the ugly anti-dog signs that the Waikato Council paints on footpaths.
From now until 20th February, Raglanders have an official chance to have their view heard. If you tick the box you can even go along in person and let the Waikato Councillors know your view. In my experience, they pay more attention to in-person submissions than to written ones.
You can make a submission online by clicking here: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/sayit
Media Release: Waikato District Council
Like to take your dog for a walk in the park? Thinking about buying a new pet?
Waikato District Council is asking for your views on proposed changes to the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw.
Council has reviewed the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw which covers subjects such as:
- areas in the district where dogs are prohibited or restricted
- dog exercise areas
- classification of dogs and requirements for some dogs to be neutered
- issuing infringement notices
- impounding and disposal of dogs
- education programmes and fees.
Proposed changes to the Bylaw are:
- combining the Franklin District Bylaw and Waikato District Bylaw
- prohibiting dogs from areas leading up to Department of Conservation (DOC) land
- removing the limit of one dog per unit in a multi-unit residential development.
Sue Duignan, General Manager Customer Support says, “we have just under 14,000 dogs in the Waikato District, so it’s important we hear from you about the services Council offer. Whether you’re happy with the dog exercise areas in your town, or you’re not happy about the areas where dogs are restricted, tell us by making a submission”.
Worried about your neighbour keeping a pig in their backyard?
We’ve also reviewed the Keeping of Animals Bylaw which outlines rules around keeping animals other than dogs on your property.
The proposed bylaw combines the Franklin District Bylaw, with the Waikato District Bylaw.
Have your say by 20 February 2015
All registered dog owners will receive a summary of the policy and bylaw as well as a submission form and freepost envelope in their mailbox.
For further information, copies of the statement of proposals, proposed bylaws and submission forms – visit www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz or any Council office or library.
Tell us what you think about what we’re proposing. Make a submission by:
- entering it online at www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/sayit
- emailing it to consult@waidc.govt.nz
- posting it to Waikato District Council, 15 Galileo Street, Ngaruawahia 3720
- faxing it to (07) 824 8091
- delivering it to any Council Office or library.
A hearing will be held on 18 March 2015 if you wish to present your submission in person.
Check out Waiheke Island’s dog rules. Auckland City yet not Auckland City. Raglan is not Hamilton City. Studies prove respect for animals correlates to respect for humans and vice versa. There is room for all and a rule for the entire Waikato region is just lazy.
I agree. Ngaruawahia often takes takes the lazy way with their ‘one size fits all’ approach.
It seems ridiculous that Raglan can’t have dogs in the main street, even on a lead. I can walk my dog into town but can’t go as far as the supermarket to get groceries. That means I have to walk back home and then take the car to get groceries. Ridiculous. There are also many visitors who come with their little dogs to Raglan for lunch. In summer, they can’t leave the dog in the car – and they can’t have them in the street. What are they supposed to do, drive away again? That’s just hurting the businesses as well.
Seems quirky that you can’t walk your dog to the SuperValue but you can walk your dog to the FourSquare (as long as you enter Bankart St from the Bow St end).
As a visitor from out of Raglan who wants to bring my dog on a day trip I find the restrictions really off putting. It’s bad enought that my partner is vegetarian which always restricts lunch options but now we have to worry about where we can go with the dog too as it’s too hot to leave him in the car and unfair to leave him home alone all day!!!!
Yes it does make it difficult. Important then to make a submission.