Wallace is now welcome to join owners Wouter and Sally Coppieters outside one of Plimmerton’s dog-friendly cafés.
Your dog can now join you outside your local café, following a rule change to allow dogs in village centres.
A review of our Dog Control Policy and Bylaw has lifted restrictions on dogs in village shopping centres (except Porirua City Centre), as long as they are on a leash and under control.
“We received a huge variety of feedback on the review, with submissions from 108 people. These ranged from those who love dogs and want them to have more freedom, to those who want them more heavily restricted,” says Councillor Anita Baker. “We’ve done our best to strike a balance.”
Two new dog off-leash exercise areas have been created in Cannons Creek (Cardiff Park) and Elsdon (Rangituhi Park), but greater restrictions have been put on dogs in other areas, including Plimmerton Beach, Camborne Walkway and Te Ara Piko in Pāuatahanui.
“There were mixed views about dogs being allowed on our beaches and walkways, with concern about the danger they pose to people and wildlife, and the problems caused by owners who don’t clean up after them,” says Clr Baker
On the question of whether Porirua needs a dog park, the response was strongly in favour and it will now form part of the Long-term Plan 2018–38 discussions.
Good dog owners are being rewarded with the removal of the $34.50 fee to apply for ‘responsible dog owner’ status (in most cases) to get a discount on the dog registration fee.
A review of signs for on-leash and off-leash dog areas will be done, and more funding for signage will be considered in the Long-term Plan.
“There was a lot to consider in this review and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views,” says Clr Baker.
Full copies of our Dog Control Policy and Bylaw can be found on our website and we’re writing to dog owners directly about the changes.
27 Sep 2017
