Department of Conservation rangers say dog poo left behind on Southland’s Foveaux Walkway has reached “obscene” levels and dogs may be excluded unless things improve.
The walkway, which is part of the Te Araroa Trail and attracts hundreds of visitors daily, follows the Motupōhue/Bluff coastline to a lookout point.
DOC acting Murihiku operations manager Jono Airey said the track was special, “visually stunning” and rich with Māori and European history.
“We’re talking about nature and heritage unique to New Zealand, these are things you can’t find anywhere else.”
Dogs were allowed on the track, as long as they are on a lead, he said.
“Dogs are doing what dogs do, but unfortunately their owners are leaving their dogs’ faeces behind in this precious place. It’s a long-term issue, and it’s getting worse.”
Airey said track maintenance was now a “dangerous, disgusting job” for rangers.
“They return covered from head to toe in dog excrement thrown about by scrub-cutters. They even wear face shields to protect themselves. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
If things did not improve, dogs would have to be excluded from the track network in Bluff.
Bins for the excrement were not an option as they encouraged fly tipping and illegal dumping, as well as requiring maintenance DOC could not resource.
“People tramping in our backcountry carry out human rubbish and waste to protect our natural environments, so we’re sure visitors to the urban Foveaux Walkway can manage the much easier job of cleaning up after their dogs.”
New signs would be put up to remind dog walkers to pick up their pet’s poo.
DOC would monitor the situation before making further decisions on access.
