Summer fun a walk in the park for dog owners

Grab the dog and head for the hills, the beach or the forest this summer.

Christchurch City Council Animal Management Team Leader Mark Vincent says with the longer daylight hours it is the ideal time for dog owners to make the most of the great outdoors.

“Dog owners are being encouraged to check out spaces in the city such as Bottle Lake Forest Park and parts of the Port Hills that offer more options for people who enjoy a good walk with their dogs,” Mr Vincent says.

“All dogs must be leashed when on the Port Hills because of grazing stock and people trekking, cycling or exercising while dogs must be under effective control in Bottle Lake Forest Park.”

Dogs must be under control at the beach.

Controlled dogs are also welcome at the beach.

However, owners are reminded that dogs are prohibited in several areas, including within 100 metres either side of the Surf Life Saving Club pavilions from 9am to 7pm at Spencer Park, Waimairi Beach, North Beach, South Brighton Beach and Sumner Beach.

“Provided the dog is on a short leash, owners can pass through these areas to continue their walk,” Mr Vincent says.

Variations are in place at New Brighton Beach and Taylors Mistake Beach.

At New Brighton Beach, dogs are prohibited for 100 metres in a northerly direction of the Surf Life Saving Club’s pavilion to 100 metres south of the Pier.

Dogs are prohibited for 50 metres in northerly and southerly directions from the Taylor's Mistake Surf Life Saving Club’s pavilion.

“Beaches are popular with families with small children who love to play safely at the water’s edge without the hassle of uncontrolled dogs,” he says.

“So let’s not spoil their fun, but rather keep our dogs out of these prohibited areas.

“There have already been a few dog-related issues at Cass Bay and Corsair Bay near Lyttelton and the beachfront in Akaroa, so it’s important to follow the rules.”

Owners can also check out the city’s dedicated dog parks at The Groynes, Horseshoe Lake Reserve, Bexley Reserve, Rawhiti Domain, Styx Mill Reserve and Victoria Park.

Owners are reminded to keep dogs away from wildlife and farm animals at all times.

“When it comes to sharing our city and peninsula space, we all have a responsibility to control our dogs and ensure others are safe so that we all enjoy summer,” Mr Vincent says.