The Thames-Coromandel District Council's dog bylaw is under review and if you want to make a submission you'll need to do so by 4pm on Monday, December 7.

There are thousands of dogs in the Thames-Coromandel district and council's policy and bylaw helps to manage potential problems along with addressing problems when they do occur.

Public submissions on Thames-Coromandel District Council's proposed changes to its dog policy and bylaw close at 4pm on Monday, December 7. Photo: File

Council says the aim is to provide reasonable rules for dog owners while promoting a safe and healthy environment for everyone.

'We have a bylaw and policy so we can balance the protection of wildlife,” says council, 'including the endangered New Zealand dotterel and migratory birds alongside the popularity of district beaches for people during summer, as well as providing appropriate dog exercise areas and walking times throughout the district.

'We also have to take into consideration the needs of locals and visiting dog owners in relation to rules that are easy to understand, such as generally consistent date and time restrictions and rules for main streets and town centres across the district.”

Five changes being proposed in the bylaw include:

• Restricting the dog exercise area at Brophys Beach in Whitianga during the summer months so the only all-year dog exercise area is at Robinson Road reserve and mudflats
• Prohibiting dogs on Opito and Otama beaches from Labour Weekend to March 1, with the exception of the off lead exercise areas at the western end
• No longer prohibiting dogs from parts of Pollen St in Thames
• Prohibiting dogs at certain dates and times from Beach Access 18 through to the marina in Whangamata
• Banned dogs on Tapu Beach spit area at certain dates and times to protect dotterel.

Council adds that these are just proposals and will depend on public feedback and input as to what will actually be adopted as the new rules.

'Once we get in all the submissions they will be processed and will go to council for hearings and deliberations early in the New Year. This summer nothing is changing, so dog walking areas and restrictions will stay the same,” says council.

The new bylaw will be in force for next summer.

For more information including the current dog policy and bylaws visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/dogs