Hi Guys,

Many of you will be aware of the notices on the Essons Valley swing gate about the upcoming dog law, if not you may have seen Tanya with her petition.

Whether you are a dog owner or simply someone who enjoys seeing dogs around town, please take action and write a submission to Marlborough District Council to oppose the new proposals.
See below:

Dog Control Policy And Bylaw Review

16 December 2011 Marlborough District Council is reviewing its Dog Control Policy and Bylaw and wants to know what you think.

There are some major changes being proposed, but before any decisions are made, Council is calling for submissions from all members of the public.

Anyone can make a submission about the draft Dog Control Policy and amendments to the Dog Control Bylaws, and we encourage you to tell us your views.

Simply write us a letter telling us what you agree with, what you don’t agree with, and why.

Find out more on the review, where to send your submission and read a copy of the Statement of Proposal detailing the draft policy and proposed changes to the Bylaw on the Dog and Animal Laws page.

Information about Council Submissions is on the Marlborough District Council website

PDF Document Statement of Proposal for Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Review (741 Kb)

If you want to oppose the draft Bylaw

If you want to oppose the draft Bylaw, you are welcome to use the letter below written by Tanya Orchard as is or as a basis to add further comment.

For anyone wishing to use a General Submission to email in to council: mdc@marlborough.govt.nz or post to Marlborough District Council, Dog Proposal, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240

FOR PICTON.

I wish to oppose the following changes to the proposed by laws:

Dogs Prohibited on Leash in areas of the Picton CBD

I believe this to be unnecessary due to no complaints regarding dogs in the CBD since the current bylaws have been in effect and as such it is uneconomic to police this and unrealistic to the community’s needs.

We require a separate ruling regarding dogs in the CBD than Blenheim, as we are 2 different towns and the lifestyle of many Picton residents revolves around community interaction within the town area and for many, their pets are part of this.

Our economy relies on the tourists along with Sounds residents, many of whom own dogs and therefore are limited in where they can go – this gives a negative impression of our town creating difficulty for those holiday makers and loss on spending within the CBD.

The benefits to this being an on-leash area are many – enhancing a community feel as it is generating many conversations with people greeting dogs and their owners, creating a healthier environment for owners with increased access for their pets encouraging exercise and in turn encouraging shopping within the town. It also enables holiday makers and Sounds residents to come into the town area with their pets, as a welcoming environment for responsible dog owners enhances this.

Leash Only Areas – Victoria Domain, Essons Valley/Tirohanga, Bobs Bay Track

I believe these should be off leash areas as they are great spaces to allow dogs plenty of area to exercise in and provide maximum enjoying for dogs and their responsible owners.

Wet weather limits other dog exercise parks, with the majority being ‘water laden’ after rain and not large enough to allow good exercise areas – removal of the above mentioned areas will increase the number of dogs in small area, increasing problems with over populated exercise areas.

Dogs that are potential dangers or threats should always be on leashes.

Dog Prohibited Areas – Shelley Beach, Marina Entrance,

The following areas need to be allowed for dogs on leash:

*Memorial park entrance – to enable dogs to access coathanger bridge and Victoria Domain walkways – ensuring an on leash area from the ferry terminal to Waikawa Rd *Shelley Beach Carpark and beach area – to have access to the lower Bobs Bay track as well as a beach where dogs can have wonderful swimming exercise.

Please also advise me of date and time for upcoming hearing

Yours sincerely

…………………………….(name + signature)
…………………(contact ph)
……………………………..(address and/or email)
…………………………………(date)

Thank you for your support, get your submission in before the Deadline:  17th February 2012

Tika