Dogs & Rubbish bags

Lyn from Welcome Bay

We don’t put our rubbish bags out on the eve of collection as, if we do, wandering dogs strew the bag’s contents near & far.
With this in mind, my husband put out our bag this morning after breakfast. To no avail! A middle-aged gentleman ( though that may be a misnomer) with an unleashed dog exited Waipuna Park & the dog immediately enthusiastically ripped our bag up. As usual, the contents were strewn everywhere. We did appreciate that the owner re-bagged our rubbish.
When challenged about why his dog was not on a leash, the owner said it did not have to be restrained & that only dangerous dogs needed to be so.
Paul ( husband) asked if the owner had read the Tauranga City website about such things & he replied that he had.
We quite accept that the owner may have read the website, but would suggest that he accompanies some littlies while they are on home-schooling this week & practises some Reading Comprehension exercises, as reading involves not only deciphering script, but also understanding what is read.
The Tauranga City website clearly states areas that can be used for “exercise off leash”, but just as clearly says that dogs should be on leash “on any footpath…or road berm”. It also has much to say about dogs that are nuisances, whether they be big or small.
We would suggest that those running the city pound would sometimes wait at exits of parks & give warnings to those leaving without their dogs being leashed. Second warning would involve a fine & the third a stay in the pound (though that seems harsh for any canine victims of negligent owners).