Pitter-patter of paws in city a step closer

The Fit Pack owner and operator Rachael McKenna welcomes the proposed changes to Dunedin’s dog...
The Fit Pack owner and operator Rachael McKenna welcomes the proposed changes to Dunedin’s dog bylaw. She is pictured with one of her walking packs (from left) Flash, Milly, Fern, Rachael’s dogs Flash and Baxter, Ruby, Tui and Tāne. PHOTO: GERARD O’BRIEN
Restricting the number of dogs a person could have in public would be good news for all, one dog-walking business owner says.

At deliberations held earlier this week, the Dunedin City Council’s hearings committee made recommendations on proposed changes to the Dog Control Bylaw — including introducing a limit to the number of dogs a person could be responsible for in public.

Under the proposal, a permit would be available for those wanting to walk more than six dogs — subject to conditions, including demonstrating control of the dogs in their care.

The hearings committee — councillors Bill Acklin (chairman), Carmen Houlahan and Mandy Mayhem — also proposed leashed dogs be allowed in the central city.

Owner and operator of Dunedin dog-walking business The Fit Pack, Rachael McKenna, said the proposal and the permit were common sense.

"I thought that that was a really good way around cowboys being out there and running packs and not really having control."

Being able to manage dogs was essential for the safety of herself and her pack, but also for any other dogs or members of the public, Mrs McKenna said.

"[It is] definitely a step in the right direction."

Mrs McKenna walked packs of up to 10 dogs for two hours, eight times a week, and would be happy to pay a reasonable permit charge.

"If we had to pay for a licence ... I think that’s fair."

A growing number of businesses offered dog-walking services in Dunedin — it was a "necessary industry", she said.

Cr Acklin said the decision was a "curly one".

He recognised there may be an impact on dog-walking businesses.

"Some seem to be very ... well schooled with what they need to do and certainly seem to be confident that they do have control."

Other operators appeared to think "you’ve got the job, here’s your 10 dogs, away you go", he said.

"We’re getting down to safety of the public at large."

The committee was told there were 24 dog owners across the city with six or more pet dogs.

Councillors also recommended leashed dogs be allowed into the centre city for the first time since the Dog Control Bylaw began in 1997.

Cr Mayhem said she was very happy with the proposal.

"We allow them just about everywhere else — let’s welcome them into the centre city."

The council will have final say on the recommendations. If approved, the bylaw will come into effect in May.

 

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