Let's talk dogs
Welcome to our community for dog owners, dog lovers and people interested in all things hound, pooch and puppy in Waitaki
This is your space to ask us questions and share ideas about dogs in Waitaki. We'll also be using this space to get your feedback on the dog related services, policies and activities that Council manages.
Thank you for all of your feedback on our survey earlier this year, the dog consultation is now closed for submissions. We listened to your feedback to our 'Let's talk dogs survey', and the comments you posted on our maps and ideas board.
We've used this feedback to help draft a new Dog Control Policy and Bylaw for the Waitaki district. We're proposing a number of changes. Tell us what you think of them and if there's anything we've missed.
Get involved in our Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Review now
Our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy are up for review in 2024. Public Consultation on proposed changes is open 15 July to 12 August.
Our Dog Control Bylaw sets out the rules around the control of dogs and the circumstances where dogs may be impounded, as well as areas where dogs aren't allowed, where dogs must be kept on-lead, and off-lead dog exercise areas.
- Here is a link to the: Dog Control Bylaw and Policy Review Consultation Document (printable)
- Here is a link to the: DRAFT Waitaki Dog Control Bylaw 2024
- Here is a link to the: DRAFT Waitaki Dog Control Policy 2024
- Here is a link to the: Submission Form where you can have your say.
Summary of key changes proposed
Most of these changes have been about tidying up the language in the documents, but we’re also looking to make some changes to places where dogs are allowed.
- Under the current Bylaw, dogs are prohibited from Ōamaru commercial areas, including Thames Street, Harbour Street and the North End Shops: We are proposing to change these areas from Prohibited to On-Lead with new leashing and tethering requirements for these areas.
- Dogs are currently prohibited from all Council sportsgrounds: We’re proposing that dogs on-lead and under continuous control may enter any part of a sportsground where pitches are not physically marked on the ground, and on marked pitches when these are not being used for sporting activities, whether organised or informal.
- Dogs are currently Prohibited within 10m of children’s play equipment: We’re proposing an exemption for on-lead dogs only when passing the playground on a formed track or path.
- We’re proposing designating some coastal areas in Kakanui and the beach reserve along Beach Road as Off-lead exercise areas.
You can find the full details of the proposed changes in our Draft Dog Control Policy and Bylaw. We’ve marked them in red.
Why do we have a Dog Control Policy and Bylaw?
We recognise that dogs can play a positive role in society and provide enjoyment and health benefits for individuals and families. The main purpose of the Dog Policy and Bylaw is to:
- Make sure dog owners meet their obligations under the Dog Control Act 1996.
- Make sure dogs are well cared for and Waitakians are able to enjoy owning dogs.
- Prevent dogs from causing a nuisance or danger to the public, wildlife and natural habitats.
- Actively promote responsible ownership of dogs.
- Provide for the reasonable exercise and recreational needs of dogs and their owners.
Why are we reviewing the Policy and Bylaw?
Our Dog Control Policy and Bylaw were last reviewed in 2014. There has been an increase in dog ownership over the past few years in the Waitaki district. This is an opportunity to check the policy and bylaw are still relevant and effective for our district.
These key changes sound quite reasonable, thanks for your good work.
The United Kingdom is a good example of how a very heavily populated place can accomodate dogs in a manageable way. People are allowed to take dogs on public buses, trains, cafes, pubs and shops and are trusted to do this responsibly. For example you are not going to take your dog on a bus at peak hour or take a puppy who is not trained into a pub to run amok. I would just like to be treated as a responsible adult. Let the animal control people deal with the few who are not responsible. There might be a period of time where dogs need to get used to the freedom that they could enjoy and learn the limits of their behaviour and owners need to see where the limitations are but in time it wouldn't be a problem. People do this with their young children all the time. Dogs can learn in the same way. We do need to act responsibly in the picking up poo department and fines could be instituted to deal with that. And it's not only the older people responsible for this, just by the way. Can we please free up the town for dogs and the people who love them.
I think Oamaru is very lucky to have place like scotts the beaches where we can take our dogs all year around. Would be nice to see the town countine to ve dog friendly and hope bad owners don’t ruin it. And that people start picking up there dog poop especially the older people. Thank you for opportunity to express.