Dog Control Bylaw and Policy Consultation 2026

Council is proposing to expand and clarify the circumstances in which dogs may be taken through dog prohibited public places. The current policy allows a person to pass through a prohibited area provided they take a clear and direct route, do not stop, and keep the dog under control on a leash in order to reach a dog exercise area.

The new policy would instead limit this access to situations where passage through the prohibited area is necessary to reach a reasonable destination. This would include travelling to the owner’s residence, a designated dog exercise area, a veterinary surgery, or a registered food business that permits dogs in its customer area. This change is intended to provide clearer guidance about when access through a dog prohibited area is appropriate and to ensure that the exception is limited to situations where there is a genuine need to pass through the area.

Council considers that the welfare of dogs in the district is an important part of responsible dog ownership and effective dog control. Under the Dog Control Act 1996, Council has the discretion to prescribe minimum standards for the accommodation of dogs in the district.

Council is proposing to update these standards so that they align with the standards set out in the Ministry for Primary Industries Code of Welfare: Dogs and the Animal Welfare Act 1999. This will provide Dog Control Officers with a clear and consistent set of standards they may use to evaluate the conditions in which dogs are kept.

Where those standards indicate that a dog may not be receiving appropriate care, the information can assist officers in identifying and reporting potential instances of non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to the appropriate authority.

The proposed changes are intended to provide clearer expectations for the care and accommodation of dogs in the district and strengthen the tools available to support their welfare.

Council already has rules restricting the number of dogs that may be kept on properties within urban areas, and a licencing system to keep more than two. The proposed updates are intended to provide greater clarity about who is exempt from the restriction and give dog owners a clearer understanding of the standards they will be expected to meet when applying for a licence.

First, the exemption for dog related businesses would be expanded to apply to any premises that has a resource consent for a dog related business, rather than relying on a narrower description of eligible businesses. Additionally, New Zealand Kennel Club registered breeders will no longer be exempt from the restriction and will need to apply for a licence with Council.

Second, the proposed policy will include a new section that outlines clear conditions and standards that Council will consider when assessing an application for a licence to keep more than two dogs on an urban zoned property.

As part of the previous review of the Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy, Council changed the designation of a number of areas to dog prohibited public areas. Since then, Council has received feedback from the community about these changes and has had the opportunity to observe the practical effects. As a result, Council is proposing to reconsider the designation of several areas, including whether they should remain dog prohibited, be designated as on-leash areas, or have another designation.

While the proposed changes would allow dogs on leash into these areas, Council retains the ability to temporarily prohibit dogs from an area where there is a potential for conflict with people, animals, and events. All temporary prohibitions will be notified by clear signage posted at main access points and where practicable, public notification.

Council is seeking community feedback on these proposed changes to help ensure that the management of dogs in public places reflects the needs and expectations of the community.

Note: The boundaries shown on these maps for on-leash areas indicate proposed changes from another designated area, such as a dog prohibited public area, to an on-leash area. For clarity, all areas within the Waimate District are considered on-leash areas unless otherwise indicated in Council’s Dog Control Policy.

Private property that allows public access

In addition to the proposed changes to the existing dog control maps, Council has included new maps that identify areas of private property that are accessible to the public, but where dogs are prohibited. These new maps can be found in Appendix 3 of the Dog Control Policy.

These additional maps are provided for information and clarity and do not represent a change to Council owned or controlled public property. These maps are not subject to consultation and feedback received in any submission will not be considered.

These areas are:

• The Waimate Trail – Te Ara Waimatemate

• Point Bush Ecosanctuary

Selected owner status

Council’s current policy prevents an owner from obtaining selected owner status when they own a dog classified as menacing because it belongs wholly or predominantly to a breed or type listed in schedule 4 of the Dog Control Act 1996. Council is proposing to remove this condition so that only dogs classified as menacing due to their observed or reported behaviour would prevent an owner from obtaining selected owner status.

Release of dogs from the pound

Council’s current policy requires dogs released from the pound to a new owner to be vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered where appropriate. Council is proposing to remove the requirement for a dog to be vaccinated before it can be released to a new owner, while retaining the requirements relating to microchipping, registration, and neutering where appropriate.