The Dog Control Policy and Bylaw were adopted by Council at its meeting on 15^th December 2015.

Public consultation occurred over the period 2 October to 2 November 2015 and included two discussion sessions with Elected Members and the community.

A total of 32 submissions were received of which 4 were heard in a public hearing on 10 November.

Council then discussed the various issues relating to the Dog Control Policy and Bylaw including all those raised by the submitters.

The consultation identified a view by some that there were too many dog prohibited areas within the district. 

After consideration, Council decided to:

• Introduce new additional dog on-leash exercise areas located in designated areas within Kara Park Piopio and Centennial Park Te Kuiti.

• Allocate an area between the Tatsuno Japanese Garden on Rora Street (railway side) and the Citizens Advice Bureau where dogs can be allowed when on a lead.

• Allocate the northern end of Rora Street (railway side) from Ward Street North as an area where people can take their dogs on a lead.

• Beaches within the district are now areas where dogs can be taken off-leash provided they are kept under the control of their owner at all times.

• Dogs are now permitted in the district cemeteries provided they are kept on-leash.

• The reserve land located adjacent to the Redwood Forest on the Esplanade was confirmed as an off-leash dog exercise area.

• The Ward Street Reserve and Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve remain as off-leash dog exercise areas.

Dogs are prohibited from a defined area on the Mokau river esplanade from 1 December to 31 March.

Concerns were expressed with the existing dog exercise area on the eastern bank of the Mangaokewa River between Lawrence Street and the Te Kuiti Bowling Club. This area has been reclassified and now dogs must be walked on the lead.

Council also agreed to require the neutering of menacing dogs based on behaviour. Dog owners who fail to keep their dog under control on two or more occasions (without a time limit) may be required to de-sex their dog.

The active monitoring and enforcement of public compliance with the rules of the Bylaw as required under the Local Government Act and Dog Control Act will continue.  As set out in the new Policy, WDC will be placing a greater emphasis on education programmes going forward.

The Dog Control Policy and Bylaw take effect from Monday 21 December 2015.  

• You can view the Dog Control Policy (PDF 470 KB) and Dog Control Bylaw (PDF 1.26 MB), which includes maps outlining the defined dog exercise and prohibited areas.