Keep dogs on a lead at Lake Nga¯roto walkway

Dog walkers at Lake Nga¯ roto are being urged to keep their dogs on a lead when using the walkway.

Waipa¯ District Council has received a number of complaints about dogs being off-leash and owners not picking up after their pets on the lake’s walkway.

New signs outlining the rules put up two weeks ago have been vandalised or removed.

Council’s environmental services team leader Karl Tutty said the rules are in place to ensure everyone has a positive experience at the lake and helps to protect wildlife in the area.

“The lake’s walkway is popular among walkers, runners and cyclists and with a busy track we need to try and minimise the risks,” he says.

“We’re not anti-dog at all — in fact we encourage people to take their dogs on the walkway if they’re on a lead, or use the offlead area near the carpark.

“But we’ve had a number of people confronted on the walkway by off-lead dogs and this is simply not acceptable given the lake is there for everyone to enjoy.”

Council’s animal control staff have increased their presence at Lake Nga¯roto to help manage the issues, but Karl said he was disappointed signage had been vandalised.

“Regardless of whether there are signs in place or not, it is up to owners to be aware of their obligations.

“Signs are paid for by dog owners through their registration fees and this sort of behaviour is ruining it for everyone. We don’t want to have to exclude dogs from the area altogether.”

Under Council’s Dog Control Bylaw 2015, owners flouting the rules could be fined up to $300 or have their dog impounded.