Need for better owner control

A fatal attack on a domestic cat by dogs running free in Katikati has triggered a reminder from Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the importance of owners controlling their dogs in public.

Animal Service Officer Betty Hall says the death of the cat in September was traumatising for the cat's owner and for the person responsible for the dogs.

While the area in concern - the Uretara Reserve - is designated as a place where dogs can be off-leash but under the owner's control, Betty says unless an owner has total control over their dog, it should always be on a leash in a public place.

In this instance the two dogs were of a hunting type and the cat was a distraction they could not resist - despite the dog owner's best efforts to stop them.

Our bylaw highlights that every dog must be under continuous leash control in any circumstance where the dog is likely to cause danger or nuisance,'' says Betty. And dogs of this type shouldn't' be off leash when around people, houses or other dogs.

As a result of the attack on the cat the two dogs have been classified as `menacing' under Council's bylaw so must always be muzzled when in a public place. The owner was also fined for failure to control the dogs.

Council's Dog Control Bylaw is very specific on areas where dogs can be off-leash but under control (voice command); where they must be restrained on a leash at all times; where they are prohibited at all times and where dogs are allowed to run free.

Betty says it is up to the good judgement of owners to put their dogs on a leash in public spaces if there is any chance the dog may be distracted, or cause a nuisance.

Dog owners really need to be honest with themselves about how well controlled their dogs actually are. Too many owners think their beloved dogs can do no harm - but this is simply not the case.''

There have been other incidences of uncontrolled dogs on the Haiku Pathway and Uretara Reserve reported to Council this year. The penalty for this offence is $200.