Kawerau Residents Demand On-Leash Dog Areas Following Attacks, Including Bite to Child’s Face
A growing chorus of concern over unleashed dogs in Kawerau, culminating in a recent incident where a child was bitten on the face, is prompting residents to call for the creation of designated on-leash areas. The demand for increased safety measures was voiced at a Kawerau District Council meeting on Wednesday, highlighting a pattern of incidents that have left community members feeling unsafe.
Rising Concerns Over Dog Control
Christine Larsen, a Kawerau resident, spoke passionately at the meeting, stating, “It would just be nice to have one place where we can walk and know that we’re not going to be bothered by dogs.” Larsen emphasized she was representing the anxieties of many in the community, notably older residents who fear walking along the river due to uncontrolled dogs.
Larsen detailed her own experiences, recounting 11 incidents over the past seven years involving dogs off-leash, with two resulting in attacks. She shared a particularly distressing account of a friend’s grandchild being bitten on the face by a dog along the river just weeks ago. The dog, a roaming female with puppies, required surrender to dog control following the incident, and the child needed stitches.
“The dog rushes up to you or up to your children and the owners go ‘oh, it’s alright, the dog won’t hurt you’,” Larsen explained, describing a common and frustrating response from dog owners. she has stopped taking her grandchildren swimming in the river, recalling instances last summer where dogs rushed toward them, running far ahead of their owners.
Beyond safety, residents are also concerned about hygiene. Larsen pointed out that owners frequently enough fail to clean up after their dogs when they are not within close proximity, contributing to unsanitary conditions.
Proposed Solutions and Existing Policy
Larsen suggested the Tarawera River walkway, specifically the stretch between Waterhouse Street and the Kawerau Golf Club, including the popular swimming spot near Tarawera Park, as a prime location for an on-leash zone. She argued that the area experiences “intense public use,” especially during the summer months, with families and dog owners frequently sharing the space.She noted that current council policy requires dogs to be under control, but this is frequently enough not enforced in practice.
Larsen drew a comparison to Tauranga City, which mandates leashes in areas of “intense public use” and requires owners to leash their dogs when approaching others. She also expressed a desire for designated off-leash areas or even fenced dog parks to accommodate responsible dog owners.
Divergent Views on Dog Access
However, not all residents support the proposed changes. One dog owner, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, argued that the riverside area around Tarawera Park is crucial for exercising her large dog. “There are plenty of other places in Kawerau people can walk if they don’t wont to see dogs. Please don’t make this area on-leash only,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of the space for dogs needing ample room to run. She maintained that her well-trained dogs pose no threat to others.
Council Response and Next Steps
Kawerau District Council Chief Executive Morgan Godfery acknowledged Larsen’s concerns and praised her for offering “concrete ideas for policy changes that might occur.” He assured residents that the council would investigate the matter further.
The situation highlights a growing tension between the rights of dog owners and the safety and comfort of all community members. The council’s upcoming review of dog control policies will be closely watched by residents on both sides of the issue.
