Dog law applies to all owners

Auckland City Council wants to reinforce its ‘zero tolerance’ policy for owners who walk their dogs without a leash in public. More dogs on leads means Auckland City is a safer place for its residents and visitors.

“No dog should be off a lead in a public space, except in designated exercise areas,” says Councillor Bill Christian, chairman of Auckland City Council’s Works Committee. “Dog owners have to understand that a $200 fine for breaking the dog bylaw is not a new procedure. The bylaw, and the provision of a fine, has been in place since 1998.”

Public awareness surrounding dogs and public safety has increased significantly since the vicious 31 January attack at Cox’ Bay Reserve. With the addition of Auckland City’s ‘blitz’ campaign targeting dogs off leads, the result has been a dramatic increase in compliance with the bylaw, according to council’s animal control contractor.

“It needs to be made very clear that the bylaw does not discriminate between young or old dogs, or between Labradors or German shepherds, or between dog owners, whether they be Councillors or members of the public. In other words, it’s one law for all!” says Mr Christian.

Council’s Works Committee will receive a compliance monitoring report addressing dog bylaw and enforcement issues on 14 March 2003. One of the resolutions the Committee will be looking at is a review of all current dog exercise areas.

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