The dawn swoop from Ngaruawahia on dogs in Bow St and on dogs on the loose around Raglan is still to come. The swoop was promised by Mayor Sanson at a recent meeting of the Raglan Community Board after the issue of wandering dogs was raised by a Board member. At the meeting it was pointed out that the Mayor’s animal control officer lived in Raglan, so there was no need for the swoop to come from Ngaruawahia.
But so far there has been no sign of the promised swoop. Instead Council staff have been busy with white paint and stencils up and down Bow St painting signs on the footpaths saying, ‘No dogs allowed – $300 fine’. So far the signs seem to have had little effect.
I was a first-time visitor to Raglan today, and I was shocked and horrified to see these signs on the pavement. I was unsure whether they were official signs or not – and why they were there. My dog and I have travelled the world together and NEVER seen anything like it!
Needless to say, we left. ASAP. To to back to Cambridge where we knew we would be welcome.
It is particularly odd that the Waikato council seem happy not to discourage druggies and drunkards in and around the Raglan bars and loos – but think these signs have any benefit to their local communities.
I am voting with my feet – I definitely will NOT be visiting Raglan again!
The dog bylaws came about when District Councillors were bitten by dogs in Bow St. I agree that the Waikato Council’s anti dog footpath graffiti is pretty offensive. On the other hand the Waikato Council rarely police their dog rules. Raglan’s ‘dog man’ walks in Bow St every day with his alsatian and other dogs are tied up outside cafes while the owners enjoy a flat white.
Raglan has large dog permitted zones and you can take your dog for a walk on most beaches.
Your view on Cambridge being welcoming to dogs is interesting as although they allow dogs in their central streets, they do have many other prohihited areas.
SCHEDULE 1 DOG PROHIBITED AREAS AT ALL TIMES
Cambridge Victoria Square
Cambridge Swimming Pool
Cambridge Cemetery (Hautapu)
Cambridge Soccer grounds (Senior and Junior), Vogel Street
Cambridge Athletic and Harrier Club grounds, Vogel Street
Cambridge Rugby Sub-Union grounds, Taylor Street
Leamington Sports grounds, Carlyle Street (playing fields only)