Call for greater pet control from dog owners
Local dog experts are calling for local dog owners to take the lead - literally, and respect other walkway users, dogs on leads included, and to pick up their dogs poop.
A Frankton dog walker’s dog was attacked last year and it had happened a few times, she says. “I understand there were a few encounters.” Her dog was left with bite marks and fur pulled out.
Wanaka dog trainer Leone Ward says dog owners need to be aware other track users can be intimidated by barking dogs rushing up to them, as can timid dogs. She’s urging dog owners, whose dogs are off lead on reserves or walkways, to immediately put them on lead when they see another dog on lead approaching.
“If your dog is running up to people barking you should definitely keep them on a lead,” says Leone, who works with schools educating children how to stay safe around dogs.
Dogs are not permitted to be off lead in residential areas, or in a number of the districts walking areas. Leone wants to see dogs continue to be allowed off lead on reserves and walk tracks, however, not if they’re running up to people,or bikers, barking. “If a dog’s rushing up to people barking, especially if they don’t know the dog, it can be frightening.”
Dog experts say there’s been an increase in dogs numbers in in recent years, reflected by Queenstown Lakes District Council dog control stats which show a five percent increase year on year.
“A lot more people got dogs over Covid and these dogs are not always as well socialised as other dogs. Vets have mentioned it too,” says Leone.
Socialising is vital in a puppy’s first 16 weeks. It makes them resilient, less timid, and used to people, children, bikes and traffic.
Wanaka’s Hound Hub owner Emily Robertson agrees. When walking clients’ dogs on lead she and her team do their best to stay well away from any approaching unfriendly dogs, or any off lead dogs, crossing the road instead. “If you have a dog you know may react badly you need to respect other people and their dogs.” Her company avoids the Mount Iron track as it’s too busy with owners often well ahead of their off lead dogs chatting with friends.
Dogs flying out of driveways at dog walkers can be a problem too. “There seem to be a lot of wandering, lost dogs. People sometimes have quite relaxed attitudes,” says Emily.
She’d like to see more monitoring, patrols around residential areas and education around training, but the council did hold a great dog day earlier this year.
She’s backing calls in Wanaka to set up a dedicated dog exercise area with “loads and loads more dogs” appearing.
Three Parks developer Allan Dippie says he’s been approached to create a dog exercise park, similar to those in main centres. “If there’s enough interest we could create something temporary using deer fencing, but council would have to look at something long-term down the track,” he says. There’s definitely a demand but he reiterates that people need to train their dogs.
Doggie dos are also creating issues around Wanaka and experts are urging dog owners to, at the very least, use a stick to flick poop off tracks and even walkway bridges, flicking it under the bushes.
Leone was disgusted to discover three lots of dog poop on the Hawea River Track single lane swing bridge recently. “It’s a minority but be sensible. It’s not fair for others who are responsible.”
“It’s a big problem, pretty much everywhere,” says Emily. “There aren’t enough poo bag dispensers, especially when dog registration fees have increased so much.”
While dog owners around the district are largely responsible, a minority could eventually spoil it for the rest.
They’re calling for more education around dog etiquette and respect, so owners are aware of what can happen.
District Council Animal Control Team Leader Carrie Edgerton says poo dispensers are supplied at key locations for those who’ve genuinely forgotten theirs. Those will slowly increase over time as budgets allow, but she says it’s ultimately the owners’ responsibility.
Generally, compliance with the Dog Control Bylaw is “fantastic”, however, a minority are not yet self-complying or are unaware of the rules, she says. The council’s focus is on education. “
Dogs must be on leash in all public places, unless on a reserve (except a few), or rural zone. Non-compliance with the bylaw can mean a $300 fine.
Aggressive barking dogs – how to react:
- Avoid eye contact
- Stand still, arms folded, or at your side.
- Turn your head away, as dogs do when they disengage
