Selfish dog owners are letting responsible pet lovers down in Howick.
Glenda Van der Maas and Jennie Hough have appealed to Howick Local Board for more signs and better enforcement after becoming frustrated at dog waste, off-leash dogs in the wrong areas, and abusive and aggressive owners.
Both dog-lovers themselves, they are appalled at the droppings along verges and footpaths, in parks, and especially on beaches.
"On Howick Beach, the fouling is a major public health hazard. Owners should be prosecuted and fined," Mrs Van der Maas says.
Both women say attempts to suggest people are flaunting regulations can be met with abuse and threats.
"Many owners continue to exercise dogs off-leash on beaches during banned hours and despite frequent council contact these issues continue at Howick, Cockle Bay and other beaches."
They suggested employing wardens to resolve dog management and littering.
Board chair David Collings says no one wants to be heavy-handed but the responsibility rests with dog owners.
“If you have a dog, clean up after it. We are sure most people do the right thing but uncaring owners who let their dogs foul public spaces do put access for the animals to those spaces they love at risk," he says.
Requests for dog regulation signage in several languages and dog bag dispensers have been sent to Community Facilities.
"We don’t want to have to station animal management people on our beaches but if people are going to ignore the rules, they can expect us to do what we need to," Mr Collings says.
"The whole situation could be avoided by picking up after your pet and exercising it in the right place at the right time."
