Tuesday, 26 January, 2016

Council to consult on proposed new rules for dogs

Christchurch City Council is seeking comments on its proposed new rules for dogs.

The Council's Animal Management Team Leader, Mark Vincent, says information about the Council's proposed new Dog Control Policy and Bylaw will be posted to about 29,000 dog owners in the city, but the Council also wants to hear from other people who may be interested.

"It's not just about dogs and their owners. Other people use areas where dogs are exercised, so they can have input into the proposals too," Mark Vincent says.

"We've had a close look at the bylaw and policy and decided there could be improvements which would reduce regulation, encourage good dog ownership, and make the rules easier to understand," he says.

"Apart from the fact that we are required by law to have a dog control policy and bylaw, they exist to minimise the potential for harm, distress or nuisance that may be caused by dogs.

"We need to balance this with the recreational needs of dogs and their owners, so we want to know if we've got the balance right," Mark Vincent says.

Proposed changes include:
* A requirement for dog owners to carry plastic bags to dispose of dog poo when in public places
* A new definition for the term 'under effective control' relating to keeping your dog near you and in sight when it is off-leash in public places
* Extending the requirement to have a licence for two or more dogs to Banks Peninsula residents, but only requiring it for properties under one hectare (10,000m2)
* Allowing leashed dogs in Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, New Regent Street, Cashel Mall and New Brighton Pedestrian Mall - where dogs are currently prohibited
* Requiring dogs to be leashed on, and within one metre of, shared pathways in Hagley Park
* Reducing the Akaroa beach prohibition from year-round to summer only and lifting other restrictions around the Akaroa waterfront.

There are other changes to where people can and can't take their dogs.

Details and submission forms can be found at www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay, and in the consultation booklet available at Council libraries, service centres and the Civic Offices in Hereford Street, from 1 February.

Council staff will be available to discuss the proposed new policy and bylaw at the following locations during the consultation period:

Location Date Time range

Hagley Park, on the shared pathway along Harper Ave, or Hospital Corner Thursday
4 Feb 8.30am - 10.30am

Re:Start Mall Thursday
11 Feb 11am - 1pm

New Brighton Pedestrian Mall Saturday
13 Feb 10am - 11am

The Groynes Dog Park Thursday
18 Feb 9.30am - 11.30am

Akaroa township, near the waterfront Tuesday
16 Feb 11am - 1pm

Submissions close on 4 March.

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