Dog Control Bylaw and Policy Consultation 2026

Background

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 and Dog Control Policy fulfil 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.

Reason for the proposal

As the district grows and changes through time so does the use of our parks and public spaces. Feedback from dog owners, businesses, Council’s Animal Management Team, and the community at large gives us a better idea of existing and emerging trends and patterns. This includes suitable places to walk dogs, enforcement of proper disposal of animal waste, and areas of conflict related to dogs.

The Local Government Act 2002 mandates Council to seek public consultation whenever the bylaw and policy are amended. Council wants the community to have an opportunity to give their feedback on the proposed changes.

Proposed bylaw and policy changes

Council is generally satisfied that the dog control bylaw and policy are working well and provide the appropriate tools to address the dog control issues faced in our district. However, Council is proposing to replace the existing bylaw and policy with substantially rewritten and reorganised documents to make them more streamlined, consistent with the Dog Control Act 1996, and easier to understand for people seeking information about dog ownership and dog control requirements in the district.

While our new bylaw and policy may look significantly different from the current documents, most of the changes are structural and editorial rather than changes to the rules themselves. Any proposed changes to the rules are limited and are identified clearly in this consultation document.

1. Proposal 1: Passage through dog prohibited public places
2. Proposal 2: Minimum standards for dog welfare
3. Proposal 3: Licences to keep more than two dogs
4. Proposal 4: On-leash and dog prohibited public places
5. Additional minor changes

Read the Consultation Document

Make a submission

All submissions must be received by 12 noon on Monday 23 November 2026. You can make a submission in any of the following ways:

1. Online

Complete your submission here.

2. Fill out the submission form in the Consultation Document

Additional forms are available from the Waimate District Library, Waimate Event Centre, Council reception, Glenavy Store, and St Andrews Dairy.

3. In person

If you would like to complete your submission form in another language, including te reo Māori or New Zealand sign language, please contact Council on 03 689 0000 so we can arrange appropriate translation or interpretation support.