Dog Control Bylaw & Policy
Te kaupapa here whakarata kararehe
Dogs in public places Impounded and dangerous dogs Unregistered dogsOur current rules
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First and foremost, there are a number of areas in our district where dogs are required to be on a leash, or where dogs are not permitted at all.
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As a dog owner, you must carry a bag at all times when out walking your dog in order to clean up after it; and,
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Properties which house more than two dogs are required to get a licence from us (with the exception of working dogs).
Please remember, the key provisions of the Dog Control Act continue to apply. All dogs must be under control at all times, and when your dog is on your property it must be under control or confined at all times.
Full details of our current rules are in the Dog Control Bylaw and Policy below.
Where can I walk my dog?
Dogs in public places
The new Dog Control Bylaw and Policy took effect on 1 December 2014.
Wondering where you can walk your dog? Try our interactive map to view dog-friendly areas.
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Any dog found in a public place and not under control of its owner, or is not registered, can be impounded.
There are some situations where an Animal Control Officer can enter a private property and remove a dog, for example where an Officer has good cause to suspect an offence against the Dog Control Act.
If your dog is impounded, the following fees will apply:
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First time - $125.
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Second time - $200.
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Third and subsequent times - $300.
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Per night (feeding) - $35.
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Never approach a dog if you are concerned for your safety, contact Animal Control immediately.
Our Animal Control Officers are all trained to handle dangerous dogs and are required to carry specialised equipment with them at all times. This includes bite sticks, leads, loading ramps, collars and lasso poles.
Our Animal Control Officers do not carry firearms and will call the Police for assistance if needed.
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A dog will only be destroyed if:
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an officer has witnessed it become a threat to public safety.
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it has been mistreated to a point that it is unfit for life.
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it has been abandoned and unable to be re-homed.
The Courts can also order the destruction of a dog for the same reasons.
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Failing to register your dog
Keeping an unregistered dog is an offence against the Dog Control Act 1996.
Failing to register your dog before or during the month of July will result in a 50% penalty fee being added to its annual fee. This offence will also incur an infringement fee of $300 in addition to the dog's registration.