An Auckland dog owner says the council is overreacting by changing off-leash rules at a popular park.
Monte Cecilia Park in the central suburb of Hillsborough currently has an off-leash area.
But this area could go if Auckland Council's proposed changes on where dogs can run free go ahead.
Dog owner and social scientist Marie McEntee, who was surveying community members on the proposal, said people she spoke to had not had any issues with dogs being off-leash at the park.
"Council is using a sledge hammer to crack a nut.
"They're claiming the public is at significant risk at Monte Cecilia Park.
"My observation of the community of dog owners that use the park, they're absolutely flabbergasted by this because they haven't seen evidence of this."
Despite the council saying the changes were in response to recent feedback indicating dogs wandering off-leash in on-leash areas, McEntee said non-dog-owners who used the park she spoke to did not have any concerns.
She said most pet owners kept their off-leash dogs in the designated area of the park and it was not fair to punish responsible owners.
