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Ed Said - Dogs are ok but people can be annoying

 
 

Summer is definitely on. It’s a time that brings a whole lot of good things but sometimes, seasonal events of not-so-good things too. The pluses being holidays, bar-bies, beaching and long balmy nights. The not-so-good involve such precious things as pets.

Kids love pets, especially warm cuddly puppies, and they assure their parents they will look after them through thick and thin – until it’s time to go on holiday themselves or until they pee and poo or vomit on the carpet, behind the couch or under the bed. Who, then, cleans up after them? Not a pleasant job especially for a young owner and once relations become strained between the child and parent it’s the animal that often suffers.

Personally and as an ex-farmer I feel town is not the place for dogs. However I do accept there are exceptions to every rule such as the need and the role of dogs as companions especially for the elderly, lonely and disabled; and they can be a good learning tool.

Upkeep is not cheap either. Food added to registration, micro-chipping, inocculations, castration or speying and that fluffy little puppy is costing as much as boarding school fees which, if that’s where your child is being educated, will bring into question who is taking responsibility for the (now) almost fully grown dog? Do you see my point here? Owning a dog is a responsibility full of do’s and don’ts. It can be a happy and rewarding experience but is nonetheless a responsibility not unlike bearing and caring for children.

There is evidence lately to suggest Mangawhai has a dog problem. Early morning workers, those walking by the light of the moon and others who just seem to be coming home late all report the regular incidence of wandering dogs at night. Imagine the hue and cry were the dog ranger to come by night and gather up all the wandering dogs and impound them - or worse. Is that any different from teens wandering the streets when their parents have no idea where they actually are? It’s reassuring to know that all Mangawhai dog owners are responsible. In fact, it’s impossible to find an irresponsible dog owner.

Then there is the time factor involved with exercise. Owning a dog does not mean the Council or the town is obliged to give you somewhere to exercise it, nor does it give one free rein to walk it anywhere, anytime. Our beaches, parks, playgrounds and footpaths are primarily for people. There are rules and regulations in place to allow all to enjoy these facilities within certain areas and time frames and though rules may be debated from time to time generally they are put in place for the wellbeing, safety and health of all.

Recently increasing instances of dog poo are raising the ire of many residents. This is being found or left on playgrounds, footpaths, near public play areas and swings and even beside signs informing owners of their rights and wrongs. The problem is not the dogs. They are animals with animal

instincts which usually means doing what comes naturally, when it comes naturally. A bitch will squat to pee but a dog will lift his leg on anything and everything – car tyres, gate posts, swings, fences, rubbish bins, shop fronts – anything. They can’t read signs and there is ample evidence to say neither can many owners who, moreover get quite indignant when shown the error of their ways.

While we should all live and let live it’s a good idea to invite miscreants to read and abide by the message the signs carry, point them to the Kaipara District Council web-site where there is a list of dog rules and remind them that, even if they don’t have children and grandchildren playing at these parks and activities over summer, they have an obligation to respect the areas.

A little consideration and tolerance by both locals and visitors will make summer in Mangawhai much more enjoyable for all.

Just my thoughts

Rob

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