WANDERING DOGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22877, 4 November 1937, Page 17

WANDERING DOGS

DUNEDIN SUBURB'S BY-LAW TOO DRASTIC IN APPLICATION [BT TELEGRAPH OWN CORRESPONDENT] DUNEDIN, Wednesday A draft by-law dealing with the nuisance created by wandering dogs in the borough was presented at a meeting of the St. Kilda Council by a special committee set up to consider the question, but it did not meet with the general approval of councillors on the grounds that it was too drastic in its application. Every street in the borough was covered by the proposed by-law. which stated that any dog caught which was not on a leash could be impounded, and. if not claimed by the owner within three days and a fine of 5s paid, destroyed.

Mr. ,T. H v Hinton asked if the bylaw was not too drastic. The one in force in the city enumerated certain streets 'in the business area which applied, but the one proposed in St. Kilda meant every street in the borough. Mr. E. Longworth said that all the people would be up in as everyone who had a dog was going to be penalised. It was right that the animals should he kept out of shops and off the 'main streets and generally controlled! but those who paid a licence fee were entitled to allow their animals some- freedom.

"This is not contvol; it is practically prohibition," said Mr. Hinton. "Dogs must have a certain amount of freedom, and while they are a nuisance in the business area they are not so bad in the residential portion of the borough." 'Mr. Hinton moved that the by-law be referred back to the sub-committee with a'\-iew to bringing it into line with the city by-law. The motion was carried.