Dog Control Policy

We have brought forward from 2025 the statutory 10-year review of our Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw. This gives Council an opportunity, with community engagement and consultation, to review its dog control regulations, including the areas where dogs can be exercised off and on-leash, and where dogs are prohibited. It also enables Council to add new locations, especially as the district population grows and demand increases for dog exercise areas.

We want to talk with people first, not just dog owners, to hear their views and suggestions. Only then will we get into reviewing the policy (and then the bylaw to give effect to the policy) taking into account the feedback received.

Section 10 of the Dog Control Act 1996 requires Council to have a dog control bylaw to enforce its dog control policy. The Local Government Act 2002 requires all bylaws to be reviewed at least once every 10 years.

Following a request to Waipā District Council to impose a dog-prohibited status on Kakepuku Maunga, the Iwi Consultative Committee and the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee each passed resolutions aimed to progress this matter.

Council has looked at existing areas where there are on-going issues with compliance by dog owners (including Mighty River Domain), and has considered whether existing dog control regulations are appropriate in relation to the implementation of concept plans for Lake Te Koo Utu in Cambridge and Te Awamutu War Memorial Park.

As the district grows, so too does the demand for dog exercise areas, dog excluded areas, and the need for the control of nuisances associated with dogs.

Reviewing this policy and bylaw now will ensure Council can plan for the management of dogs in public areas in the district, with consideration for future district growth. It will also update the existing policy and bylaw documents to apply best practice dog control.

Not necessarily. Council want to hear people’s views first before deciding what the best proposals will be.

There could be, and in order to cater for population growth in Waipā this seems to be a possible outcome. But on the other hand, there will also be more people who do not like or are uncomfortable around dogs, so there may be more on-leash exercise areas instead, or in addition.

If there is a good reason for prohibiting dogs from a location where they are currently exercised (eg. a sports field), Council will try and find an alternative location nearby. Council is not looking to reduce dog exercise opportunities in this review. Quite the opposite: Council expects more to be needed in the next few years and this review is our opportunity to enable that to happen.

Everyone has the right to enjoy places even if they don’t like, or are uncomfortable around, dogs. Council is trying to find a balance for everyone in the community.

Any changes are likely to be made in or around urban areas; however, there are some rural locations where dog access may not be considered appropriate.

Where that happens, Council will try to find alternative sites.

We have feedback forms available at our Council offices and Libraries. You can also submit your feedback via email at submissions@waipadc.govt.nz, or you can also fill out an online form here.