Dog Control Bylaw 2023
Decision
At the Ordinary Council meeting on 21 November, Council approved the Dog Control Bylaw with amendments.
In total, six reserves had amendments made to their use regarding dogs:
- Knottingley Park and Arboretum is dog-friendly apart from the cricket pitch and children’s playground. Dogs need to be leashed in the campground.
- Boland Park and Seddon Square are completely dog-free.
- Dogs are allowed in Victoria Park except for the playground, sports courts, bowling green and velodrome. Dogs are required to be leashed in the campground.
- The Glenavy Recreation Reserve is dog-friendly apart from the pocket park and adventure play areas, which require dogs to be leashed.
- Dogs are prohibited in the St Andrews Recreation Reserve apart from the campground, where they are required to be leashed.
The definition of menacing dogs was also amended, bringing it in line with the Dog Control Act 1996. This allows Council discretion in relation to neutering dogs labelled menacing, rather than this being an automatic requirement under the previous bylaw. The animal management team can now consider factors such as age, demeanour, whether the dog’s behaviour has been learned and whether neutering will alter the behaviour.
You can view the amended bylaw here: Dog Control Bylaw
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Introduction
There are over 2,800 registered dogs in the Waimate District and the number is continuing to grow. Being a dog owner comes with responsibilities and obligations – to your dog, your neighbours and the community.
Council is responsible for ensuring effective regulation of dogs within the Waimate District. This keeps both the dogs and community safe. Council recognises that dogs are an important part of our community and can enhance social wellbeing by providing companionship and positive experiences for their owners.
The Dog Control Bylaw fulfils Council’s statutory obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996. It outlines how Council will provide the framework of responsibilities and obligations for dog owners within the district.
Reason for the plan
As the district grows and changes through time so does the use of our parks and public spaces. Feedback from dog owners, businesses, the Animal Management team and the community at large gives us a better idea of existing and emerging trends and patterns around suitable places to walk dogs, enforcement of proper disposal of animal waste and areas of conflict related to dogs.
The current bylaw mandates Council to neuter all dogs labelled as “menacing”. The bylaw does not allow Council to use its discretion in relation to neutering, even in cases where the Animal Management team believes there are justifiable grounds to not neuter a dog. These may be factors like age, demeanour and whether the behaviour is learned, and whether neutering will alter the behaviour.
The Local Government Act 2002 mandates Council to seek public consultation whenever the bylaw is amended. Council wants the community to have an opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed changes to the bylaw.
Consultation document
The consultation document includes information about the proposal to enable residents to make an informed decision.
Supporting information
Supporting information includes the Draft Dog Control Bylaw with the proposed amendments which are open for public consultation.
Key dates
| Submissions open: | Thursday 5 October 2023 |
| Submissions close: | Tuesday 7 November 2023 at 12pm |
| Submission hearings: | Tuesday 21 November 2023 |
| Decision made by Council: | Tuesday 21 November 2023 |
| Notification of decision: | Wednesday 22 November 2023 |
