How do we let the dogs out? QLDC wants your say on dog rules in our district

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is calling on dog owners, dog lovers, and the wider community to help shape the future of dog control in the district.

Formal consultation on QLDC’s draft Dog Control Policy 2027 and draft Dog Control Bylaw 2027 opens today, giving the community an opportunity to take a fresh look at how more than 6,000 registered dogs are managed across the district.

The current policy and bylaw cover topics such as where dogs can go, how they need to be controlled, the number of dogs that can be kept at a property, and owners’ responsibilities around cleaning up after their dogs.

The review follows early engagement with the community last year, which attracted hundreds of submissions. We heard that the current rules are generally working well to facilitate responsible ownership and keep our communities safe. People highlighted the importance of keeping shared trails and public spaces safe and enjoyable, protecting areas where children play, balancing the needs of dog owners with the wider community, and making sure rules are practical, clear, and easy to understand.

QLDC Animal Control Manager Carrie Edgerton says the community’s feedback has helped shape the next stage of the review.

“Our dogs are an important part of our community, and we know people have strong views about how they should be managed,” says Ms Edgerton.

“The feedback we received last year helped inform the targeted changes included in the proposed Bylaw and Policy. Now we’re asking the community, dog owners, dog lovers, and those who don’t own dogs to take another look and tell us what they think about the proposed approach.”

Formal consultation will help inform the final Dog Control Bylaw 2027 and Dog Control Policy 2027, which will guide dog management across the district in the years ahead.

ENDS|KUA MUTU.

Media contact: communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 1802.

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri

Have your say from today to 9 November 2026.

Fetch the full details and complete the survey.