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Snells dog ban
OMG he is at it again (Resident barks back at dog rules, MM Feb 2)
The story revolves around one bit of misinformation. It claims that the length [of the beach ban] is due to the shorebird breeding season. It is not. The rule mirrors the migrations on the godwits. The birds arrive from Alaska in early September and head back via Asia in groups around 15 to 20 March. In the meantime, they need undisturbed high tide roost spaces to hang out in.
They have chosen the area between the Sunburst boat ramp and the northern end of the beach. Precisely the area covered by the restrictions. There you have it time and place determined by the godwits.
Dog walkers have 24/7 access to the path. Access to two-thirds of the beach with conditions. Access to the northern end of the beach after the restrictions come off in March, Goodall dog exercise area, Te Whau walkway, lots of quiet roads and walkways to name a few. We are the envy of the rest of Auckland.
This issue needs to be politely rejected and put to bed.
Mark Paterson, Snells Beach
