19 November, 2015

New dog rules proposed

Christchurch City Council is reviewing its Dog Control Bylaw and Policy which includes changes to current rules and some new rules.

Council's Regulation and Consents Committee today adopted a report recommending consultation on the proposed new Dog Control Bylaw and Policy. The report will be considered at a Council meeting on 10 December. If adopted, consultation is planned for 1 February until 1 March 2016.

Every Council is required, under the Dog Control Act 1996, to have a dog control policy and bylaw. The Council's current policy and bylaw were last reviewed in 2008, and there have been many changes since this time.

Council's Regulation and Consents Committee Chair Councillor David East says staff have identified improvements to reduce regulation, encourage good dog ownership, and make the rules easier to understand.

"A new rule has been added requiring people to carry plastic bags when walking their dogs in public. Nobody likes stepping in dog doo so this requirement will hopefully reduce the chances of this happening," Cr East says.
"The proposal makes it clear dog walkers need to carry a leash in public places, which is a requirement nationwide. If a person in control of a dog comes across an unexpected situation, the dog can quickly be restrained to keep it and others safe," he says.

"Dogs must also be on a leash on roads and footpaths, to keep dogs, cyclists and motorists safe. This rule has been in place for some time, but many people are not aware of it," Cr East says.

In areas where there are no dog restrictions in place, dogs must still be kept under control. This has been more clearly defined in the proposed new documents and relates to having the dog near you, in sight, and not creating a nuisance to other people or animals.

"Having your dog under control is as much about the safety of your dog as it is about the safety of others," Cr East says.

Some areas where dogs have not been allowed for years could now be open to dogs, such as Cathedral Square, Victoria Park, New Regent Street and Cashel Mall.

"We are now proposing to treat the whole of the central city as one area where dogs are allowed, as long as they are on a leash. This will match international trends," Cr East says.

Leash requirements along the Sumner-Scarborough Promenade have been successful, so similar rules may be applied to the busy, shared pathways in Hagley Park.

Some remote areas on Banks Peninsula would no longer be regulated as public access is limited or there have been no dog-related issues. Dogs would continue to be prohibited in areas where endangered wildlife breed and feed, such as Pōhatu Marine Reserve in Flea Bay.

The main aim of the dog control bylaw and policy is to balance the recreational needs of dogs and their owners with appropriate controls to minimise the potential for harm, distress or nuisance that may be caused by dogs.

"What we are aiming for is to have safe communities, where people can take their dogs to a wide range of places, without negatively impacting on others, and where our recreation opportunities, biodiversity and landscapes are protected and enjoyed," Cr East says.

After consultation on the proposed new Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, submissions will be heard, and it is anticipated the new bylaw and policy will be in force in June 2016.

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