News release
25 January 2008
The Akatarawa and Pakuratahi forests reopen to dogs
Greater Wellington has reopened the Akatarawa and Pakuratahi forests to dogs, following the successful completion of its
possum control operation last year.
The forests were closed to dogs from August 2007 when aerial operations to eradicate Bovine Tb and protect forest health
began, using 1080 poison. “It has been over four months since we finished the aerial operation – all the bait has broken
down and an inspection of carcasses has shown that they are no longer a threat to dogs,” says Philippa Crisp, Greater
Wellington’s Principal Advisor – Planning and Forests.
Philippa urges dog owners to continue taking notice of signs and maintain control of their dogs. “Greater Wellington and
other agencies carry out ground-based pest control operations in parks and forests around the region throughout the
year. Dog owners should always protect their dogs by checking pest control warning signs and stopping their dogs from
scavenging.”
Dog owners should also watch out for potentially toxic blue-green algae in rivers and streams. Growth of algal mats is
common in rivers throughout the Wellington region during periods of low river flow and warm temperatures. Blue-green
algae is extremely toxic to dogs, who are particularly susceptible because they enjoy scavenging along the riverside.
For more information, see www.gw.govt.nz/toxic-algae
ENDS