Dogs in the central business district
A recent enquiry about the necessity of the by-law against walking dogs in the central business district (CBD) has led to the Golden Bay Community Board deciding to make the reasons for the ruling clear, as it is occasionally questioned.
This by-law dates back to the days of the Golden Bay County Council, before the 1989 amalgamation of the County Council with Tasman District Council.
Since that time there have been moves by TDC to bring Takaka into line with other towns of the district. Each time, surveys of local residents and businesses have been in favour of the current situation. The town was last surveyed and the by-law negotiated in 2009 (Dog Control Bylaw 2009). The surveys alone could not have succeeded if good reasons to continue with the status quo hadn’t been presented.
The by-law covers the area that extends from the southern end of town from the Top Of The Town dairy through to the junction of Reilly and Commercial Streets, a distance of approximately two-thirds of a kilometre.
Takaka has a small CBD, within which are more green areas for relaxation than in other similar-sized towns. These are popular with locals and visitors. Families and friends sit on the grass to picnic while children play.
People have fought hard for such areas such as the Village Green which required years of effort and considerable fundraising. Memorial Park, the children’s playground and the Rose Garden are also places where people gather to eat. Since the old library building was lost to fire, the survey regarding use of that space has favoured it remaining building-free to retain the view through to the hills. An upgrade of the playground will enhance this space.
From the Top Of The Town business up to Reilly Street there are at least seven commercially-run areas featuring café tables. By-laws apply New Zealand-wide to restrict dogs from the vicinity of such dining areas because of hygiene considerations.
Food is sold on Village Green stalls and at the Saturday markets, where this by-law also applies at those times. Takaka’s situation contrasts markedly with Richmond’s or Motueka’s in regard to outdoor eating and relaxation areas.
The suggestion of fining dog owners who leave behind dog faeces doesn’t work in Takaka’s situation. Germs from defecation and urination are left behind regardless of conscientious intentions of owners. I know from personal experience that picking up faeces isn’t always possible. Consistency can make that unrealistic. Also, stopping a dog from relieving itself is impossible. And there are no regular visits from an enforcement officer to enforce fines. Shop owners have to take on responsibility for cleaning up displays, pavements and shop fronts after dogs have soiled them, but grass disguises soiled areas and isn’t washed out until the next rainfall.
Recently, signs enforcing the by-law have been destroyed and are to be replaced at cost to all ratepayers. Before the Richmond office will consider the Golden Bay Community Centre request for new signs at appropriate places, the Richmond office requires complaints about dogs in the CBD to be registered at the Takaka Service Centre.
There is no reason to take a dog shopping unless that dog is a guide dog assisting the owner.
Dogs can be left at home when the owner goes to the CBD and walked for exercise away from the town centre on separate occasions. This is a hassle-free solution for both owner and dog.
Submitted by Karen Brookes
for the Golden Bay Community Board
