Changes to the Dunedin City Council’s Dog Control Bylaw and Policy take effect on Monday, 5 May, and aim to balance the recreational needs of dogs and their owners with public safety and wildlife protection.
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, the DCC is required to review the Policy and Bylaw at least every ten years. This update is the first since 2016 and was approved by Council following a period of public consultation late last year.
Key changes include new areas where dogs are permitted, a new limit for the number of dogs allowed in one person’s care in public spaces, and increased on-leash requirements in coastal areas:
- To protect wildlife, dogs must now be leashed in all coastal dune areas across the city, including access paths.
- Dogs will be permitted on a leash in several new city locations, but they must not be tied up and left unattended. The new locations include:
- The Octagon
- Library Plaza
- parts of Princes Street and George Street (from the Exchange to Knox Church)
- parts of King Edward Street in South Dunedin (between Hillside and Macandrew Roads).
- Individuals may have up to six dogs in their care in a public space, and written permission is required for exceptions.
There are also new off-leash areas for dog owners to exercise their pooches, including the Jubilee Park tracks, the Bethunes Gully picnic area and McGouns Track.
Additionally, there are areas where dogs will no longer be allowed, such as the Caledonian Ground, and within one metre of playground equipment provided or maintained by the Council for public use (including skateparks and outdoor basketball courts).
“The changes ensure Ōtepoti Dunedin is an accessible and enjoyable place for canine companions and their owners, while also balancing the safety and wellbeing of the public and local wildlife,” says DCC Animal Services Team Leader, Cazna Savell.
“It’s always important to remember the key rule that hasn’t changed – dogs must be kept under control at all times.”
An overview of the changes, including a map and the full Policy and Bylaw documents, can be found at www.dcc.govt.nz/dogs-bylaw.