A resounding 75 percent of poll respondents say they are not happy with the enforcement of dog control regulations.

Of 249 responses, 187 (70 percent) said they were unhappy, 50 (20 percent) were happy and 12 people (5 percent) did not know.

Many “unhappy” people said too many dogs were left free to roam.

“I am tired of my registered dog on leash, being terrorised by vicious, unregistered dogs when we are out walking,” said one respondent.

“Round the mongrels up!” said another.

“Last Christmas there were at least 15 dogs owned by so-called campers mainly running riot. Being one of the landowners along with some campers, I am totally unimpressed. Council have been notified but unresponsive. Yet another summer camping balls-up!”

“Rules are there but sadly dog control do not enforce them. ie town and Wainui beaches in summer are disgusting. Council needs to enforce the rules.”

“I won’t take my dog for walks in the street now because I see so many of the ‘dangerous’’ breeds loose on the footpath.”

“It is good that dangerous dogs have been targeted by dog control, but not enough is being done about straying.”

“The current staff members are great, but the level of actually enforcement is poor when it comes to dogs on beaches.”

Most of the people “happy” with the service praised Gisborne District Council staff. Comments included —

“The dog rangers do a very good job. Maybe in some cases they should put the dog owners down and look after the poor dogs,” one said,

“Very happy with help and service from the team leader.”

“They lack the staff but do a wonderful job with the resources they have. “

“They do an awesome job.”

Other comments included —

“As usual the people who comply are lumped with the cost of those who refuse to do so.”

“Would like to see bigger fee reductions for responsible owners.”