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.