Dog control an important issue

IT is a new year so please be kind and control your dogs in accordance with bylaws/signage and the Dog Control Act 1996.

To those who are responsible good dog owners who do the right thing — all the time — thank you.

Unfortunately, there are those who don't and I predict more fines will be issued in future, and rightly so.

It is a human right to ‘‘live in freedom and safety’’.

Uncontrolled dogs may be a safety issue and if your dog distresses someone it may limit their freedom to enjoy life. (Section 56 of the Dog Control

Act is relevant to dogs causing distress.)

Additionally, the Southland District Council’s latest annual dog control report shows there were 584 complaints received, 31 dog attacks, 201 complaints about dogs barking, 151 wandering dogs and 31 complaints about dogs rushing.

Try to have some compassion for the victims of dogcontrol issues. If you have a dog you have responsibilities, so take them seriously and care more. Wendy Baker Nightcaps [Abridged]