Pet owners guide to summer

File Photo.

Most dog owners believe their pooch is the best, and none of them are wrong.

But while you may love your four-legged friend, the unfortunate reality is that regardless of how lovely-natured and well-behaved your dog is, they might not be everyone's cup of tea.

This is why a number of dog control measures are in place in Tauranga and the surrounding Western Bay of Plenty areas.

With the warmer weather approaching, council is reminding dog owners and visitors to the region about rules and regulations for responsible dog owners.

Tauranga City Council Animal Services team leader Brent Lincoln says Tauranga currently has more 13,000 registered dogs.

'As the city and dog numbers continue to grow, we all need to be mindful of how we share our common spaces like parks, reserves and beaches,” says Brent.

'Dog owners are able to exercise their dogs off leash in many of these areas, however, responsible dog ownership is the key to creating a safer environment for everyone.

'All dog owners must carry a leash when exercising their dog. If a dog is likely to cause danger, distress or nuisance to anyone or any other animal, it must be kept on a leash.

'We encourage all owners to put their dog on a leash as they approach other people or animals.

'Dog owners must also avoid our dog prohibited areas. These restrictions are in place because of ecological sensitivities or because the area is used intensively by the public.

'Please remember to always take a plastic bag and pick up after your dog.”

Currently, dogs are not allowed on Mount Maunganui Main Beach, from Moturiki Island to Mauao, Pilot Bay from Mauao to Salisbury Avenue, Omanu Beach within 200m from the Omanu Surf Club premises, and Papamoa beach within 200m from the Papamoa Surf Club premises.

This means dogs are not allowed on dunes, grass or boardwalks at Mount Maunganui Main Beach or the grassed area between the road and beach at Pilot Bay.

Dogs are also not permitted in the Elms Reserve, Mauao (including the base track), Moturiki Island, McLaren Falls Park, Papamoa Hills Park or the Otumoetai Pa Historic Reserve.

In the Western Bay of Plenty District Council area, dogs are not allowed at Waihi Beach, except at the year-round dog zone between Albacore Ave and Plom Road. Dogs can be taken on a leash at Island View Reserve until March.

Also, dogs aren't allowed at the sandbars off Cooney Reserve or Omokoroa Domain Foreshore until Easter Monday.

And dogs are prohibited from around the Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and the historic reserve until February 7.

For a list of dog walking parks in the Western Bay of Plenty, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz

For Tauranga, see: www.tauranga.govt.nz

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