Formal review of dog rules in the pipeline

Waipā District Council is set to formally reconsider its rules around dogs in the district.

Today’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee agreed a formal review of the Waipā Dog Control Policy and Bylaw will be undertaken later this year.

Community feedback received last year as part of an early engagement process will play a key role in drafting the revised policy and bylaw which sets the rules for managing dogs in the district including where dogs can be exercised, rules for keeping dogs on leashes and dog-prohibited areas.

The policy will also cover issues like the number of dogs allowed on town properties, rules and safety measures to control nuisance dogs, registration fees, dog welfare, neutering and fencing.

Council’s group manager district growth and regulatory Wayne Allan said staff already had very clear feedback about dogs from community engagement undertaken last year. We received 300 pieces of feedback and followed up with a webinar to provide more information. All of this will be taken into account when drafting a proposed policy and bylaw, he said.

“But there will be no decisions made until after the community has had its say during the formal public consultation process in April - May. People feel strongly so we look forward to people getting involved and hearing from dog owners and non-dog owners alike.”

Public consultation of the draft policy and bylaw is likely to open in mid-April to mid-May.

Information and updates can be found on the Waipā Dog Control Policy and Bylaw page on the Council website www.waipadc.govt.nz/dogcontrolpolicy