Dog day at Lido is pooh-poohed

Dog poo in the pool is not a good look and Palmerston North's Lido Aquatic Centre has pulled the plug on parts of a planned family doggy fun day on Sunday.

The Lido's Dog Day Out has had to change plans to have dogs swimming in the public pools because city council bylaws prohibit it.

It has also changed the venue - the doggy fun day of competitions will now be held in a park behind the pool.

Facility manager Lynden Noacke admits that having dogs swimming in the public pools would be unwise.

"After second thoughts it didn't look too good for people using the pools," he said.

"So dogs won't be in the water."

Mr Noacke said dogs would have to be kept leashed and owners would be responsible for poop- scooping.

"We'll be handing out doggy doo doo bags as people come in." There has been fair public interest in the day already.

"I think we can accommodate up to 100 dogs," he said. "It's a fun day for people to have with their pets."

Palmerston North City Council dog control officers will be present to maintain order.

Council animal control officer Peter Broughton is optimistic about the event.

"I can't foresee any problems as long as owners follow the rules," he said. "It's no different from the dog shows they have on the Railway Land."

Activities and competitions will include fancy dress, best trick, loudest bark and biggest and smallest dog.

"We'll also be having a young police dog come in and do a display," Mr Noacke said.

The Dog Day Out is Sunday, 10am to 2pm, $5 a dog with gifts of doggie goods and service vouchers for entrants.