Whakatāne District Council is reviewing its Dog Control Policy and the draft Policy is now available for community feedback.
The review is informed by the Dog Control Act 1996 which requires Council to adopt a Dog Control Policy to ensure consistency with its Dog Control Bylaw.
The Whakatāne District Council Dog Policy was adopted on 25 August 2022. View the policy on the Dog Policies and Regulations page.
What is the Dog Control Policy?
Council recognises that most dog owners in the Whakatāne District are responsible and that interaction between dogs and the public is generally positive. It also recognises that dogs can play a positive role in society and provide enjoyment and health benefits for individuals and families.
The purpose of this draft Policy is to outline how Council will address the requirements set out in the Dog Control Act 1996 (the Act) and should be read in conjunction with the Whakatāne District Council Dog Control Bylaw 2018. It sets out Council’s approach to supporting responsible dog ownership so that dogs can be a positive part of the life of the community and visitors to our district.
The Policy balances regulatory controls to allow for the exercise and recreational needs of dogs and their owners with appropriate controls to minimise the potential for danger, distress or nuisance that may be caused by dogs.
The main aims of Council's Dog Control Policy are to:
- ensure public safety
- support good ownership so that dogs can be a positive part of community life
- encourage dog registration
- protect farming stock
- protect endangered native fauna such as kiwi and dotterel
- an educational resource to promote good dog behaviour and responsible ownership.
What's the difference between the Dog Control Policy and the Dog Control Bylaw?
The Dog Control Act 1996 requires a Council to adopt a Dog Control Policy to ensure consistency with its Bylaw.
The Dog Control Bylaw 2018 was adopted in June 2018 and commenced on 1 July 2018. The Bylaw covers matters such as restrictions on dogs in public places, standard of accommodation for dogs and nuisances caused by dogs.
The Dog Control Policy regulates the control of dogs so they do not cause danger, distress or nuisance to the community.
Alongside the Bylaw and the Policy, the legislation also addresses issues such as registration, barking dogs, dogs attacking people or stock, and other related matters.
Why are we reviewing the Policy?
Council is reviewing the Dog Control Policy to bring it in line with changes we have made in recent times on how we manage the control of dogs in our communities. The Policy has not been reviewed since 2004 so this review will also include minor changes to dog legislation and will closely reflect the Dog Control Bylaw which was adopted in 2018.
What are main changes for review?
- lowering the risk of attack by roaming dogs to kiwi and dotterel in urban areas
- reducing the risk of attack by roaming dogs on farming stock
- recognising the value working dogs bring to our rural sector
- exploring community-based/partnership solutions and educational programmes to increase compliance and public safety, particularly in the more rural areas of the district
- inclusion of minor legislative changes.
What feedback is Council looking for?
- Are the additional aims added to the proposed Policy necessary?
- Do the proposed changes adequately reflect local characteristics?
- Do you agree to the general approach of placing greater emphasis on education and community-based solutions to dog control issues, particularly in rural areas?
- Are there other elements that would lead to better dog control services?
- What are dog control issues in your community and does this Policy address these?
- Who else should we involve in delivering effective dog control?
Supporting documents
- Dog Control Bylaw 2018
- Statement of Proposal - (PDF, 237 KB)
- Proposed Dog Control Policy 2022 - (PDF, 413 KB)
- Dog Control Act 1996 - links to New Zealand Legislation website
- Maps of dog allowed areas - (PDF, 13.7 MB)
Who can make a submission?
Any individual or organisation is welcome to make a submission on the Draft Dog Control Policy.
All submissions will be considered by Council in its decision on the final Policy content.
How can I make a submission?
Public submissions on the draft Policy opened on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 and close at 5pm, Wednesday, 8 June 2022. Hearings will likely take place in June 2022.
You can use the online submission form below or can email your submission to submissions@whakatane.govt.nz
