Dog Control Policy and Bylaw review

🐾 Dog Control Policy

The Dog Control Policy sets out the our intent and approach to managing dogs in the Hauraki District. Its main purposes are to:

• Minimise danger, distress, and nuisance to the community, other animals and wildlife from dogs.

• Ensure public safety so people can use streets and public spaces without fear of dog attack or intimidation.

• Provide for the recreational needs of dogs and their owners, including designated off-leash exercise areas.

• Promote responsible dog ownership, including incentives for owners to participate in Council’s Responsible Owner Licence scheme and to de-sex their dogs.

• Outline where dogs must be on-leash vs. where they can be exercised off-leash.

📜 Dog Control Bylaw

The Dog Control Bylaw is the legal rules that give effect to the Policy and make the controls enforceable. It covers:

• Leash requirements — when and where dogs must be kept on a leash in public places.

• Off-leash and prohibited areas — where dogs are allowed off-leash, and areas where dogs are not permitted (e.g. certain beaches, playgrounds, ecologically sensitive sites).

• Dog behaviour and nuisance controls — rules on barking, roaming, and other nuisance behaviours.

• Dog ownership limits and property requirements — how many dogs a property can have, and fencing requirements for dangerous dogs.

• Enforcement — powers to impound dogs, require neutering for repeat breaches, and issue fines for bylaw breaches.

Together, the Policy and Bylaw help to balance public safety and enjoyment of public spaces with dog welfare and responsible ownership in the district.