Be mindful of others when out with your pooch

Christchurch City Council’s Animal Management team are advising pet owners to be mindful of their dogs and others over the warmer months.

“It’s great to be able to enjoy the summer period with our furry friends, but it’s important to stick to the rules to keep your dog, other dogs and other people safe,” says Christchurch City Council Animal Services Manager Lionel Bridger.

To protect swimming and recreation activities, there are restrictions in place at some Christchurch and Banks Peninsula beaches until 31 March.

Dogs are prohibited from within 100 metres of the Surf Live Saving Club pavilions at Spencer Park, Waimairi, North and South New Brighton Beaches between 9am and 7pm. Dogs are not allowed at Akaroa Beach, Lyttelton Harbour Beach and foreshore areas between the same times.

There are a range of dog restrictions for New Brighton Beach, Sumner Beach and Taylor's Mistake Beach.

Dogs can pass through these areas if they are on a short leash. Your pooch must also be on a leash on the footpath at all times.

Dogs are allowed to run free on any reserve or park across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula that is not a leashed or prohibited area, as long as they are under control and well-behaved.

“Dog owners also need to be mindful of the potentially toxic algae cyanobacteria which appears in our waterways every summer,” Mr Bridger says.

“Animals can get very sick if they ingest the algae, and dogs are naturally drawn to its smell – they sometimes investigate by licking the material.”

Water containing the algae can also pose a risk through recreational contact.

Find out more about cyanobacteria.

Mr Bridger says the warmer months often come hand in hand with an increase in fireworks being used, which can be very stressful for pets.

“We recommend keeping your animals inside or confined in a safe space to keep them from running away from home.

“Pets are part of our families, and we want to make sure everyone in Christchurch has a safe and happy time over summer – including our furry friends.”

Pet owners should call the Council’s Contact Centre on 03 941 8999 or 0800 800 169 if their animal goes missing. The Contact Centre is open 24/7, including over the Christmas and New Years period.

The Council is currently consulting on changes to where dogs can and can’t go, and where they must be leashed, through its Dog Control Policy and Bylaw changes. These changes affect everyone – whether you own a dog, don’t own a dog, like dogs or don’t like dogs, we want to hear from you. Find out more and have your say on Let's Talk | Kōrero Mai.