DOG NUISANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25800, 22 March 1945, Page 4

DOG NUISANCE

NO LONGER A JOKE DRASTIC STEPS PROPOSED An unofficial ultimatum to owners who refuse to respect the by-laws regarding the control of their dogs was issued by the Mayor of St. Hilda, Mr N. D. Anderson, in the course of a discussion on the dog nuisance which arose at the annual meeting of the St. Clair Improvement Association last evening. For some time the matter had been regarded as a joke, Mr Anderson said, but the nuisance had become a serious menace which his council was determined to suppress in the interests of public health and decency. “St. Hilda is literally besieged by dogs,” Mr Anderson said. “ Complaints are received from residents every week. We have tried various means of combating the trouble, but have decided that the only way is to appoint an inspector. Negotiations to that end are now under way, and it is hoped that the council's scheme may be given effect to in the near future. “ One of the most difficult aspects of the situation,” Mr Anderson said, “ is that many of the people who complain are themselves the owners of uncontrolled dogs. Dogs are all right in their places, but there is surely something wrong with the attitude of people who allow dogs to have free access to grass plots and other areas where children frequently play. In these days when so much emphasis is laid on hygiene we should not allow dogs to roam about as they are doing.”

Replying to a suggestion made by another member of the association, Mr Anderson said that a proposal was already being considered for (he cooperation of the St. Hilda Borough Council and the Dunedin City Council in putting down the nuisance. He added that one of the greatest difficulties was the inability to secure the help of citizens themselves in attending to a matter that was of considerable public imporance. “The trouble is no better in the city than it seems to be in St. Hilda,” said Mr J. Starr. “ You can see dogs round shops in Princes street at all times. If the City Council still has a ranger on the job it is difficult to understand why these dogs are not removed.” It was decided to refer the matter to the City Council.