Beat the heat
Don’t wait until your pooch is panting to cool them down.
Canterbury temperatures have hit the 30s this summer, which means your pets need help to beat the heat. Christchurch City Council Acting Animal Services Manager Ivan Trethowen says there are many things to consider to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable during the summer period. From kennels or cars in direct sunlight, to pets left inside or outside on hot days without adequate shade or a cool space – the season poses serious risk.
“Pets will need plenty of water during warmer days, especially if they’re outside in the heat and keeping active,” Ivan says. Regular grooming (especially for pets with thick coats) also helps them stay cool.
“A great way to cool your pooch down is to take them for a dip at the beach or set up a small paddling pool in your backyard,” Ivan says. Seize the opportunity and create a fun beach day for the whole family – dogs included.
We’ve summarised what you need to know about taking your dog to Canterbury’s most popular beaches so you can keep everyone safe and avoid a $300 fine during the busy period. Christchurch City Council’s rules apply between 9am and 7pm from now until 31 March.
SUMNER BEACH
During summer, (from 1 November to 31 March between 9am and 7pm), dog prohibition applies on the beach 100 metres north of the Sumner Surf Life Saving Club’s pavilion to Cave Rock in the south except for the purpose of passing through on a short leash. Outside of these times dogs are permitted under effective control.
THE GROYNES
It’s not a beach, but The Groynes is one of Christchurch’s best parks to give your dog a run. The Groynes Dog Park consists of large open spaces with plenty of trees and two spring-fed streams for your dog to swim in after a tiring game of fetch.
NEW BRIGHTON BEACH & SPENCER PARK
For 100 metres in northerly and southerly directions from the Surf Life Saving Club’s pavilions, between 9am and 7pm, dogs are prohibited on Spencer Park, Waimairi, North and South New Brighton Beaches in summer. This extends to 100 metres southward of the Christchurch Pier for New Brighton Beach.
OTHER BEACHES & BAYS
Dogs prohibited in: all of Lyttelton Harbour Beach and foreshore areas (Cass Bay Beach, Corsair Bay Beach, Sandy Bay Beach, Paradise Bay Beach, Hays Bay Beach, Diamond Harbour Beach and Purau Beach). Plus all of Akaroa Beach (including French Farm Beach, Le Bon’s Bay Beach, Little Akaloa Beach, Okain’s Bay Beach, Port Levy Beach and Tikao Bay Beach).
GOOD TO KNOW
If you are walking your dog along a beach and inadvertently enter a Prohibition Area, you are permitted to walk through the prohibited area, as long as you have your dog on a short leash and under good control, and you are passing directly through the area as quickly as possible to get back to the permitted area.
