Dogs lose park freedom2 min read

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A passionate group of dog owners has been left heartbroken after the Puketāpapa Local Board voted against reinstating Monte Cecilia Park as an off-leash area for dogs.

Despite a strong turnout and heartfelt pleas from the community, the board passed the new rules in a 4-2 vote, changing the popular doggy destination from an off-leash to an on-leash area.

The council meeting saw the chamber filled with dog owners holding posters of their beloved pets, hoping to sway the board to reconsider. Many believed their efforts would result in a reversal of the decision, but instead, the outcome left some in tears and others voicing frustration over losing a vital space for canine exercise and socialisation.

Jonathan Sweeney, who visits the park daily with his dog Cwtch, expressed disappointment.

“We gave the board a petition with 1,000 signatures and 88% of respondents wanted the off-leash rules to stay,” he says. “The majority of dogs here are well trained and sociable. We follow the rules, and yet we’ve been punished.”

Concerns have also been raised about the impact on service animals and their handlers. Donna, a blind resident who frequents the park with her service dog, Fellan, says, “It’s the only place where he can run freely and enjoy just being a dog. The new rule isn’t fair on him, or on me.”

The group has now turned to legal avenues in hopes of challenging the decision.

“We are not giving up,” Jonathan says, “we’re fighting for our dogs.”

The new on-leash rules are set to take effect on 1st August. Until then, residents continue to rally and explore their options to keep the spirit – and paws – of their community park free.