Check the rules before you take your dog along
As the holiday season is here and people make their way to New Zealand’s beaches and national parks, the Department of Conservation is reminding people with dogs to do their research before setting out.
“Going on adventures with your dog is a great way to stay active and enjoy nature,” says Laura Boren, science adviser at DOC. “We want people to get outside and enjoy the summer, but to do it responsibly.”
DOC rangers across the country report poor behaviour involving dogs that can range from dogs attacking wildlife to people taking dogs where they are not allowed is the most common compliance issue throughout the summer months.
“One potentially confusing thing is that rules for dogs vary across the country,” says Laura. “For instance, dogs are never allowed in national parks or on offshore island reserves, but they are permitted on certain walking tracks or campsites. The coastline can be even more confusing as rules can change seasonally, depending on breeding cycles for seabirds and other animals.”
If you are going somewhere new, find out if it is dog-friendly before arriving. DOC has a “dogs allowed” tick box on its website allowing visitors to filter for dog friendly areas, and local council websites contain information on regional beaches and walking tracks.
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to dog management. This is why it’s crucial to do your homework.”
Doc’s Lead the Way programme offers other tips to help dog owners be responsible around wildlife, including a quiz which verifies dog owners as “wildlife-wise” and allows them to purchase a colour-coded lead which signals the temperament of their dog.
“Being wildlife-wise means you know the steps to protect coastal wildlife, such as walking on the wet sand, scanning the area ahead for wildlife, and staying at least 20 metres from any wildlife. It’s amazing how much a seal or sea lion can look like a piece of driftwood when it’s resting on the beach,” says Laura.
Infringement fines can range from $200 to $800 or a court prosecution. In some cases where dogs have attacked native wildlife, courts have ordered them put down.