Changes to dog control aimed at public safety
Published on 22 May 2015
22 May 2015
Changes to dog control aim to improve community safety by reducing the number of unwanted dogs, roaming dogs and dogs likely to attack people.
A revised Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw 2015 are set to be approved at the Council meeting on Tuesday, May 26.
Mayor Annette Main says most interactions between dogs and the public are positive and the Council wants to keep it that way.
“Most dogs in our district are well behaved and the majority of dog owners are responsible, but in response to high public interest in roaming and unleashed dogs we have made changes to our policy to keep our community safer.”
The Council received 65 submissions on the proposed Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw which were considered by the Statutory Management Committee. The Committee has made recommendations for the Council to adopt.
Acting Customer Services Group Manager Bryan Nicholson says there are several main differences between the existing policy and the proposed policy which dog owners need to be aware of.
“The proposed policy requires dogs to be on a leash at all times in public places, apart from designated areas. It also limits dogs to a maximum of three per household in urban areas. The exception to this is if an owner currently has four or more dogs, in which case they can keep them until the dogs die or move to another home.
“If a dog classified as menacing by breed is impounded on two occasions within 12 months, it must be de-sexed before being released from the pound.
“The central business district, where dogs are prohibited, has been extended to include St Hill Street, Taupo Quay, Watt Street, Drews Avenue, Wicksteed Street and Ingestre Street, as well as Victoria Avenue.
“We will have a new designated off-leash area, which is from the corner of Taupo Quay and Wilson Street to the northern end of Bedford Avenue. The river walkway is a popular place for people to walk their dogs and I am sure this will please many responsible dog owners.”
Despite having designated unleashed areas around the district, Mr Nicholson says owners must be able to keep their dogs under control at all times.
He says that education will play a big part in making sure all dog owners understand the new rules.
“We want to make sure dog owners are aware of the new regulations and their responsibilities. We would much rather reward dog owners for good behaviour than spend our limited resources punishing poor dog owners for not following the rules. Our Animal Control Officers will be out and about telling people about the new regulations and giving them a friendly warning if they are not complying with leashing their dogs or picking up their dog’s doo.”