Dogs Under Effective Control -DUEC
There is a Law that says the CCC has to protect the public from attack or bothering by dogs, in public places.
How they do that is up to individual councils, with local bylaws, the overriding factor is that dogs must be under effective control at all times DUEC and it would appear that the 3 main tools for the council in various areas are are:
1) Dogs Not Allowed at all. - DNA - Wild life reserves etc
2) Dogs allowed off the lead but must be under effective control. - DUEC - Most other large parks
3) Dogs must be on leads at all times. DOL - Parts of some parks like the Quarry.
There is little consistency between the public parks with both rules and signage, which confuses both the general public and dog owners who visit various parks.
Some areas have signs that state DUEC and then another small sign that requests dog owners to keep their dogs on leads. DOL. Certain community-minded people accost dog owners who elect to keep their dogs under control their own way yet still within the law.
So who is right and who is wrong?
The animal control officers can not take any action, if the dog is not breaking any laws and is under effective control.
My suggestion is, the requirement for having to keep your dogs on a lead is dropped from the books, so NDA and DUEC are the only two bylaws.
I hear the shouts and wails, but ask yourself, how many dog owners keep their dogs on leads because the law says they should? I have asked many people this question over the last 18 months and none have said because it was the law. Instead they want to keep their DUEC to protect their dog from road accidents, other dogs or the general public, as they are worried that their dog might bother them. DUEC
The dog owner decides what is the best way for them to keep DUEC and if the dog breaks the law, the owner should be handled the same way as DNOL are currently handled. There is no difference at all.
Summary: If a dog is bothering someone, it is not a DUEC no matter if it is on, or off the lead. So why make a lead compulsory?
This will result in dogs who are actually bothering people being reported and dogs who are not bothering people, on or off the lead, will not be reported.
That will save Animal Control from having to investigate dogs that are not physically doing anything illegal, but a passerby thinks they should be on a lead.
Taking the quarry as an example between 50-80% of people do not keep their dogs on leads in areas that are designated as 'On lead",
The CCC animal control has no major problems with dogs bothering people or other dogs at the quarry, yet most are off leads. That being the case, changing the bylaw to remove the necessity for a lead, will have little or no effect on the way the Quarry is operating, apart from dog owners can not be accosted or reported for having a dog off its lead, unless it is breaking a bothering or attacking law.
The idea is so simple and does away with having different rules for different parks and areas
I would think, I might get the odd comment.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Poll: Pedestrian access is being extended to the Ōtakaro Avon River - good idea?
Pedestrian access from one of Christchurch’s favourite streets is being extended all the way to the Ōtakaro Avon River. This new 12m-wide pathway will give you a direct, easy route from the street to the river promenade ... perfect for a stroll, a coffee run, or just soaking up the riverside vibes.
We want to know: In your view, what makes a city people-friendly?
What else should our urban areas be doing to support better community connections?
Curious about the full plans? You can check them out here.
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90% Yes
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10% No
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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