I do not
know the percentage of dog ownership for dogs in the Auckland region, but I
suspect that it is very high. I also know that there are not many places where
one can take their special friend to run and play with other dogs. I live in
Hillsborough I take my Jack Russell to the Onehunga Bay every day and sometimes
twice a day. She loves it and I have met some lively people and their dogs; to
the point that I consider some of them dear friends now.
We all have
in common the desire to explore other dog friendly beaches and the question of
the Kakamatua Inlet came up as a place to take our dogs for a swim, run and
picnic (yes for humans and dogs). My research has left me a bit confused. The
Kakamatua Inlet is ‘touted’ by dog lovers as an ‘unofficial off-leash area.’ But
some people have written at great length to say that it is most definitely ‘on leash’
during daylight savings hours. Who the heck would take their dogs to such a
wonderful beach; show them the area and then tug them along on a leash?
Some writers
were incredibly mean about dogs and their owners, quoting spurious concerns
about the safety of their children. Others quite rightly pointed out that there
are numerous other beaches for these ‘moaners’ opt take their dogs, all with a
kilometre or two of the inlet.
Further investigation
informed that the new laws will be implemented sometime in mid-2013 and that until
then the old laws for the ARA apply and those allow ‘off the leash walking, running
and cavorting. Am I right? If this is so, then ‘we the dog owners’ need to make
our feelings felt big time with the new council. Surely we make up a
significant portion of the populace and that our collective voices should be
heard and indeed, make more beaches dog friendly. Come on my friends; (because
that is what some of you have become) speak out. Reply to my blog and get things
going or inform me about groups that already exist for this purpose. Put other
political differences aside and unite. I feel more at ease with ‘humans best
friend’ than I do with most politicians; both local and Parliamentary.
Read my book
about my little friend Perdy (Spot in the book---‘Talk to Me.’)
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