|
|
|
|
MINUTES of the Submissions Hearing MEETING Draft Dog Control Bylaw held 9.00 am, Wednesday, 25 September 2024 at Tasman Council Chamber, 189 Queen Street, Richmond |
The video recording of this meeting is available on the Council’s YouTube channel.
Present: Councillor C Hill (Chair), Councillors C Butler, J Ellis, B Maru and
D Shallcrass
In Attendance: Group Manager – Environmental Assurance (K Drummond), Community Policy Advisor (C Budai), Strategic Policy Manager (D Fletcher), Team Leader – Biosecurity and Biodiversity (G Coleman), Regulatory Manager (S Bruyns), Governance Manager (E Stephenson) and Executive Assistant and Advisor to the Mayor (R Scherer)
Councillor Hill welcomed everyone to the meeting and offered the opening karakia.
2 Apologies and Leave of Absence
|
Moved Councillor Maru/Councillor Shallcrass That the Draft Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Submissions Hearing and Deliberations Panel 1. receives the Draft Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Submissions Hearing report, RSH24-09-3; and 2. receives and considers all 645 submissions on the Draft Dog Control Policy and Bylaw received by 8 September 2024; and 3. declines to accept any late Draft Dog Control Policy and Bylaw submissions received after 5:00pm on 10 September. |
|
Attachment 1 Supporting documents Attachment 2 Sally Quickfall tabled document Attachment 3 Bruce Struthers presentation Attachment 4 Lisa Nelson tabled document Attachment 5 Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust presentation Attachment 6 Tracey Osbourne presentation Attachment 7 Waimea Inlet presentation Attachment 8 David Melville presentation Attachment 9 Mana Stratton - position statement - safe dogs Attachment 10 Evie South tabled document |
4.1 Submitters: Wade Quickfall (34560) and Sally Quickfall (34561) tabled supporting information.
Topic:
· Wandering/roaming dogs cause issues.
· Dogs should be allowed on the cycleway from Richmond to Rough Island.
· Owners who failed to control their dogs should be managed.
· The Rangihaeata esplanade reserve must be available for dog walking.
· Retain Hoddy Park for dog walking with some area of on-leash control.
Questions and Responses:
· Playgrounds could make dogs more excited, dogs toileting in playgrounds was an issue.
· New bylaw would be completely unmanageable; would require more staff to police it.
4.2 Submitter: Evie South on behalf of The Wakefield Bush Restoration Society (34549) tabled supporting information.
Topic:
· Concern over changes to controlled areas around reserves classified under the Reserves Act.
· Sec 122A of the Reserves Act – did not allow dog walking areas.
· What was effective dog control? Subjective and open to interpretation.
4.3 Submitter: Scott Burnett on behalf of Forest and Bird (34555)
Topic:
· We need to look after our coastal birds.
· Supportive of bylaw in general except for some specific sites, Milnthorpe, Riwaka River mouth, Motueka sandspit.
· The Council should fund more enforcement, and provide more signage.
· Dog registration fees should be in line with Nelson to pay for more enforcement.
Questions and Responses:
· Marsden Valley dog park was a good example of a public space for dogs.
· There were beaches where on-leash was appropriate.
4.4 Submitter: Heather Wallace on behalf of Mohua Penguin Trust (34557) – did not attend
4.5 Submitter: Andrew Taylor (33476) – did not attend
4.6 Submitter: Anna Perkins (33484)
Topic:
· Little Kaiteriteri was a recreation reserve, not a wildlife reserve.
· Locals respected the current rules. A handful of owners gave the majority of owners a bad name.
· Banning dogs on the beach would not change people from running their dogs in prohibited areas.
Questions and Responses:
· Divide in the community within Little Kaiteriteri was getting worse.
· Signage needed to be improved.
· Increasing number of dogs at Little Kaiteriteri.
4.7 Submitter: Stephen Neave (33713)
Topic:
· Dogs bring people together, saddened by the division within Little Kaiteriteri.
· Beach area is important to mental health.
· Negative feeling is unwarranted and upsetting. Concerned with level of emotion and hatred in submissions.
· Little Kaiteriteri is a very clean beach, no evidence of dogs bounding around.
Questions and Responses:
· Has only seen penguins at night on the road.
· The community supports the option of bird aversion.
4.8 Submitter: Peter Fullerton (33485) – did not attend
4.9 Submitter: Melanie Ellis (33486) – did not attend
4.10 Submitter: Reesa Pope (33498) – did not attend
4.11 Submitter: Margaret McEvedy (33518)
Topic:
· The new bylaw would lead to a ban on dogs on beaches.
· The current rules worked well and were fair.
· Did not agree with proposed restrictions on Dummy Bay.
· Did not agree with the option of walking dogs at Split Apple Rock instead.
· Encouraging good behaviour for all dog owners, positive advertising, not aggressive posters, encourage dog owners to become champions for the penguins.
Questions and Responses:
· Penguins have been deliberately relocated to the Kaiteriteri area.
4.12 Submitter: Emma Williams (33523) – did not attend
4.13 Submitter: David Martin Everton (33563) – did not attend
4.14 Submitter: Julie Rickley (33577) – did not attend
4.15 Submitter: Henriette Politano (34513)
Topic:
· Bylaw was punitive. People needed to be controlled, not dogs.
· Bylaw was a control act.
· Dogs are man’s best friend.
4.16 Submitter: Deb Kernot (33578) – did not attend
4.17 Submitter: Kevin Armstrong (33614)
Topic:
· Baigent Reserve is a special area for people in Tasman; the land was gifted to the people of Tasman for all to share and enjoy.
· Any restrictions on use of the reserve and the beach would be disingenuous and a travesty.
· Strip of land at Kina – the Council does not have legal right to that land.
· Need better monitoring of community activities at Baigent Reserve.
Questions and Responses:
· There was no need to modify the bylaw at all.
4.18 Submitter: Lawson Davey on behalf of Fish and Game New Zealand (33622)
Topic:
· Fish and Game supported the draft bylaw in general, but there are some cases where it is unduly onerous, and some compromises could be made.
· Pleased to see estuaries included as dog-restricted areas.
· There are certain times of the year when the bylaw doesn’t need to be restrictive.
Questions and Responses:
· Dogs used for hunting are well trained and cause minimal disturbance.
· Licensed hunters are aware that the area for shooting ducks is normally prohibited to dogs.
4.19 Submitter: Kirstin Young (33627) – did not attend
4.20 Submitter: Bruce Struthers (33699)
Topic:
· Mr Struthers tabled a PowerPoint presentation.
· Land development inflicts faster and longer term damage on the environment than any dog.
· Responsible owners do control their dogs.
Questions and Responses:
· Control of humans and dogs is the best outcome for the environment.
· Any unregistered dog apprehended by the Council should not be returned to its owner.
4.21 Submitter: Claire Hutt (33736)
Topic:
· Importance of dogs as companion animals and therapy dogs.
· Dogs need exercise areas.
· Dogs and wildlife can exist in harmony.
Questions and Responses:
· People do want to protect wildlife.
· Requiring dogs on a beach to be on-lead would be disastrous.
4.22 Submitter: Kathleen Lloyd (34464) Tasman Bay Dog Owners informal group
Topic:
· Restrictions should be on dog owners, not dogs.
· Wildlife protection takes an overly high part in the draft bylaw.
· Bylaw is not inclusive or innovative, people come to Tasman to live because of the amenities available for people to walk their dogs.
· Major issue is wandering dogs.
· There is lots of disinformation demonising dog owners.
Questions and Responses:
· The bylaw enables the Council to deal with bad dog owners.
4.23 Submitter: Christine Grove (33771)
Topic:
· Dogs need to be off-leash to get proper exercise.
· Would like the Council to provide more areas where dogs can run.
4.24 Submitter: Carol Dayman (33821) Zebanti GSD and Nelson District Kennel Assn
Topic:
· Suggested that penguins like to roost on rocky outcrops, not sandy beaches.
· The Council is not considering the people who use Kina Peninsula.
· Areas where birds are nesting could be fenced off.
· More education and bigger fines are required.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05am and reconvened at 11:15am.
4.25 Submitter: Tracey Walker (33831) Zatori – did not attend
4.26 Submitter: Yvonne Neville (33621) – Don Sache presented the submission.
Topic:
· Holidaymakers bring large dogs who swim and ignore swimmers.
· Dogs annoy visitors.
· Busy beach in summer, dogs chase birds, local dog minders walking dogs use the area, running everywhere off leash, have no control.
· Dog owners can be very aggressive.
· All dogs must be on a leash won’t work, make Parr Beach a controlled dog area.
4.27 Submitter: Sue Lindsay (33860) – did not attend
4.28 Submitter: Lisa Nelson (33938) Essential Vitality Health and Wellness – tabled document
Topic:
· Concern for humans, children and elderly who are intimidated by dogs.
· Lots of people don’t use the beach because of the dogs who may attack people.
· Dogs on beaches causes sanitation issues.
· Need dog parks, confined areas.
Questions and Responses:
· Dog defecation causes all kinds of human illnesses, some can’t be treated with antibiotics.
4.29 Submitter: Don Sache (33961)
Topic:
· Strongly disagrees with proposed bylaw. It is contradictory – calls for wildlife preservation and conservation at the same time as allowing dogs running free off lead.
· Parr Beach area is covered in nesting birds, no dogs should be allowed.
· Need more dog rangers, who do we contact and how, a phone call is a waste of time.
· If the Council is changing the rules, you need to enforce them.
· Need easy to read signs.
4.30 Submitter: Cynthia McConville on behalf of Forest and Bird Golden Bay Branch (34059)
Topic:
· Concerned about variable oystercatchers nesting at Milnthorpe and Collingwood.
· Dogs and beach nesting birds are incompatible.
· Happy to compromise for on-lead, controlled off-leash from Excellence Street.
·
Doesn’t agree with proposed dog on-leash
corridor at Parapara Inlet.
Increased enforcement is required.
4.31 Submitter: Cynthia McConville (34113)
Topic:
· Agreed that it is not easy to meet the requirements of wildlife and dog control.
· Wants dogs prohibited from the entire headland at Rangihaeata.
4.32 Submitter: Alison McMillan (34070)
Topic:
· Supports increase in dog fees to provide dog parks.
· Dogs should be prohibited on Little Kaiteriteri Beach.
4.33 Submitter: Alexandra Purucker (34086) – did not attend
4.34 Submitter: Ian Price (34287) – did not attend
4.35 Submitter: Julia Burbury and Derek Smail (34348)
Topic:
· Dogs are petrified of penguins.
· Division has been caused by fanatical single issue people.
· Wants the status quo on Little Kaiteriteri Beach.
4.36 Submitter: Sandra LePine (34368) – did not attend
4.37 Submitter: Jennifer Morris (34371) – via Zoom
· Doesn’t want any more dog walking restrictions on Golden Bay beaches.
· Dogs need to be able to be off lead.
· Why is area from Miles Reserve banned?
· Most responsible dog owners would put their dog on a lead where it is necessary.
4.38 Submitter: Grant Knowles on behalf of Golden Bay Community Board (34383) – via Zoom
Topic:
· Golden Bay Community Board strongly supports the proposed bylaw.
· Wants a coordinated local and central government approach to dog control measures.
4.39 Submitter: Dias Suwido (34388)
· Urged the Council to make space available where dogs can be off leash.
· Allow dogs in certain on leash in some areas, like Tasman’s Great Taste Trail.
· Use social media to educate dog owners.
· Provide free or low cost dog poo bags.
· Owners’ responsibility to manage their dogs.
· Happy for dog registration fees to increase if necessary.
4.40 Submitter: Martin Everton (34316)
Topic:
· More and more dogs in Little Kaiteriteri, off leash, defecating, intimidating children, peeing on towels.
· Constant dog attacks on wildlife, especially little blue penguins.
· Roaming uncontrolled dogs were a problem.
· Prefers no dogs on Little Kaiteriteri in summer except for a brief period in the morning.
· Wants the area patrolled more often during summer.
Questions and Responses:
· Extra animal control staff could be subsidised with an increase in dog registration fees.
4.41 Submitter: Gillian Trotter (34405) Split Apple Rock Owners' Association
Topic:
· Concerned that Split Apple Rock and Towers Bay Beach are not mentioned in the draft bylaw.
· Wants dog restricted in this area. Split Apple rock is a major tourist attraction.
· Greater policing and education on bylaw.
Questions and Responses:
· There were a lot of incidents where dogs walking in a prohibited area are not reported.
4.42 Submitter: Larry Lumsden (34421)
Topic:
· Dogs should be prohibited from Little Kaiteriteri Beach.
· Dog attacks on humans were increasing across the country, 24,000 last year, huge cost to ACC.
· Enforcement costs should be included in dog registration fees and could also be used to fund a dog park in the area.
· Need to punish irresponsible dog owners.
Questions and Responses:
· Current fines for dog owners are not a deterrent.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:36pm and reconvened at 1:05pm.
4.43 Submitter: Sarah Quickfall (34396)
Topic:
· Disagrees with dog ban around the Rangihaeata headland.
· Never seen any misbehaving dogs or any penguins on the beach during the day.
· Also against draft bylaw proposal for Kina Beach and Hoddy Park reserve.
Questions and Responses:
· Supports rule that would allow dogs on leash for certain sections of reserves.
4.44 Submitter: Anthony McLeod (34399) – did not attend
4.45 Submitter: Jane and Roger Mannering (34400) - did not attend
4.46 Submitter: Gillian Trotter (34535) Split Apple Rock Owners Assn
Topic:
· Against the proposal for Tokongawa Reserve to be used as a dog exercise area. The area was not suitable for dogs, it was water logged for most of the year.
Questions and Responses:
· The reserve was used for community get-togethers and working bees.
· Locals knew not to exercise their dogs near any penguin nests.
4.47 Submitter :Anthony (Tony) McLeod (34399)
Topic:
· The balance between dog owners and conservation is not mutually exclusive.
· Map of Mohua doesn’t show other areas of Golden Bay that are restricted for dog use.
· Two thirds of that coastline is restricted for dogs.
Questions and Responses:
· Supports the current dog controls at Tata Beach – a sensible solution that could be applied across the board.
4.48 Submitter: Linda Jenkins (34437) Tasman Bay Blue Penguin Trust – PowerPoint presentation
Topic:
· Supports little blue penguins.
· Dogs on beaches are agents of disturbance, fatal dog attacks have been well documented.
· Dogs kill penguins.
· Dogs on leash would continue to disturb wildlife.
· Native species should be given precedence.
Questions and Responses:
· Current signage was inadequate and confusing.
4.49 Submitter: Susan Walsh (34449) Dog Almighty
Topic:
· Look at options for shared access.
· The dog control policy was not dealing with the primary issues. The Council needs to fulfil its obligation to educate people about how to train their dogs
· Hoddy Park/Kina Peninsula were both perfect locations for dog walking with some rules, but not a complete ban.
Questions and Responses:
· Owning a dog was similar to a drivers licence.
· Education for dogs and their owners was key.
4.50 Submitter: Gillian Pollock (34451) Nelson Tasman Branch of Forest and Bird
Topic:
· Dogs instinct is to hunt and kill. Birds are upset by dogs whether they are on a leash or not.
· Very few dog owners have control of their dogs.
· Dogs need to be banned from all wetlands, bush areas and, inlets. Let them run free in open, grassy parks.
· Likes the option of a dog park, Nelson example.
· Survival of our wildlife is top priority.
Questions and Responses:
· Has never seen a responsible dog owner.
4.51 Submitter: Linda Jenkins (34446)
Topic:
· People pack up and leave beaches because of uncontrolled dogs.
· Hygiene was an issue with dog poo.
· Serious dog attacks are increasing and reporting them is difficult.
· Create dog parks, beaches are not for dogs.
· Enforce the rules, dog rangers should be warranted and effective.
· Use signage.
Questions and Responses:
· ACC claims for dog attacks are increasing in New Zealand.
4.52 Submitter: Jeff Maslen on behalf of Angelika Maslen (34471)
Topic:
· Dog owners can be environmentalists too.
· Bylaw must be rigorous and evidence-based.
· Referred to noise issues at Nelson Lakes – power boats were allowed but dogs were banned.
Questions and Responses:
· Enforcement and fines should be issued where dogs are out of control on a beach.
4.53 Submitter: Dr Tracey Osborne (34473) – Via Zoom – PowerPoint presentation
Topic:
· Poorly supervised dogs are a problem for penguin survival and the disturbance of shorebird nesting and roosting.
· With a little care there was room for both dogs and wildlife.
· More education was required, not just for dog owners, but also for people who use beaches for walking.
· Maintain dog walking as a priority activity from Collingwood to Milnthorpe. Remove ban on dogs at Ruataniwha Inlet, or provide an inland route around the roosting site at Aorere river mouth.
· Target known problem areas and times.
4.54 Submitter: David Sissons and Gillian Bishop (34492) Waimea Inlet Forum working group –PowerPoint presentation
Topic:
· Waimea Inlet has threatened bird species that need protection.
· Changes to land use have exacerbated the problem with dogs.
· Nesting areas have been lost. Banded rail have been driven out by dogs.
4.55 Submitter: Elspeth Collier (34501) – did not attend
4.56 Submitter: Gay Hamilton (34502) Good Dog Owners Golden Bay
Topic:
· Dogs were blamed for wildlife deaths when there were other predators such as weka and rats.
· Need welcoming, clear and positive information signage.
· Wants education for dogs and owners.
Questions and Responses:
· Good Dog Owners Golden Bay group has over 180 members and was formed in response to the Dog Control Bylaw submission process.
4.57 Submitter: Mana Frances Stratton (34504) tabled supporting information.
Topic:
· Dogs should not be allowed on beaches and should be on-leash in public areas.
· Spoke about the bylaw at Phillip Island in Australia.
· Dogs separate chicks from their parents.
· Requested that bylaw is rigidly enforced, increase the number of enforcement officers, and issue fines.
Questions and Responses:
· Need a clear and simple dog complaint system.
4.58 Submitter: Dr David Martin (34512) – did not appear
4.59 Submitter: Paul Dayman (34515)
Topic:
· We need responsible dog owners, dog ownership doesn’t start with buying a puppy at Christmas.
· Dogs are companions, soul mates, night time security for older people.
· Agreed that native birds and wildlife have to be protected.
· People don’t look at signs.
· Dogs should be allowed at Baigent’s Reserve.
4.60 Submitter: Jean Frances Stratton (34520)
Topic:
· Dogs have become a growing problem in society. Should not be an automatic right to own a dog. Education for people before they take ownership of a dog.
· The Council needed a better complaints system to deal with problem dogs.
· Dogs are predators.
· Ban dogs on all beaches, supports dog parks.
· Enforcement should be ramped up.
4.61 Submitter: Mark Eldred Oldfield (34528)
Topic:
· Dogs should be on leads in public places, including beaches.
· The number of dogs in the region had grown.
· Doesn’t want Little Kaiteriteri to become a dog park.
· People don’t pick up dog faeces.
· At the very least dogs should be leashed at all times.
4.62 Submitter: Mr Michal Snitko (34533)
Topic:
· Owning an animal should be a human right.
· Most dog owners are responsible.
Questions and Responses:
· Proven bad dog owners should have dogs taken off them.
· Education was imperative.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:08pm and reconvened at 3:20 pm
4.63 Submitter: Naomi Middleton (34418) – did not appear
4.64 Submitter: David Melville on behalf of The Ornithological Society of New Zealand (34559) - PowerPoint presentation
Topic:
· We need to safeguard sites of international important for shorebirds.
· The Society supported inclusion of the Totara Avenue sandbar as a dog prohibited area in the bylaw.
· Motueka sandspit – need to consider breeding birds on the northern part of the spit.
4.65 Submitter: Martin Rodd on behalf of Department of Conservation (34562) – did not attend
4.66 Submitter: Jillian Duncan (34343) – no longer wanted to speak
4.67 Submitter: Samuel Pfeffer (33462) – did not attend
4.68 Submitter: Katrinna Stephens-Young (33556) – did not attend
4.69 Submitter: Mike Rose (33625) Rose Family Ltd – did not attend
4.70 Submitter: Zara Rogers (33645)
Topic:
· Has three really well trained dogs who have been taught not to chase any birds.
· Problem was owners who don’t train their dogs.
· Suggested that the Council provides a permit for local residents who have well trained dogs that don’t affect bird life to be able to continue to use the beach at Pakawau.
4.71 Submitter: Grant Williams (33702)
Topic:
· Lives in Collingwood - blue penguins and other shore birds live in the area.
· Doesn’t want dogs in the area.
· The Council needs to make an evidence-based decision, not a political one.
4.72 Submitter: Kelvin Woodley (33859) – did not attend
4.73 Submitter: Ann Thompson (34024) – did not attend
4.74 Submitter: David Briggs (34345) – did not attend
4.75 Submitter: Mike Shannon (34351) – did not attend
4.76 Submitter: Roger Taylor (34420)
Topic:
· The proposed changes in the draft bylaw don’t go far enough to protect wildlife and keep the beaches pristine.
· Wants complete ban on dogs.
· Council enforcement needs to improve.
4.77 Submitter: Juliette Ward (34463)
Topic:
· Increasing number of dogs, along with increasing number of residents and tourists, at Kaiteriteri. Time for the Council to respond to these new circumstances.
· Incumbent on the Council to uphold the Wildlife Act etc.
· Dog faeces was an issue.
· Supports dog parks, dog friendly spaces. Use Reserve Financial Contributions and increase dog registration fees to fund dog parks.
· Need more fines to act as a deterrent.
· Better signage required – make it clear of the consequences of non-compliance with the bylaw.
4.78 Submitter: Hayden Rolfe (34466) – did not attend
4.79 Submitter: Kimberley Kerrisk (34481) – did not attend
4.80 Submitter: Lloyd Kennedy (34529) Lloyd & Val Kennedy and Michael Kennedy – did not attend
4.81 Submitter: Dr Lionel Hume on behalf of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (34543) – Pax Leetch and Stephen Todd presented.
Topic:
· Want registration fee for working dogs reduced.
· Farmers were paying unfair dog registration fees.
· Don’t want to subsidise urban dogs.
· Suggesting working dog fee is 50% of standard fee and zero after five dogs.
4.82 Submitter: Brandon Sparrow (34544) – did not appear
4.83 Submitter: Joyce Wylie (34545)
Topic:
· Rural dog owners were subsidising urban dog owners.
· They pay a lot of money for registration but don’t get anything for it.
· Make dog registration user-pays.
Questions and Responses:
· Farm dogs should be classed as service dogs.
4.84 Submitter: Adrian Jurke (33541) – did not attend
Nil
Councillor Hill offered the closing karakia and the meeting concluded at 4.25 pm.
Confirmed as a correct record of proceedings by resolution on 20 November 2024
|
5.confirms the minutes of the 20 November 2024 Draft Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Deliberations meeting as a true and correct record
|