Proposed Dog Control Policy & Bylaw

Horowhenua District Council is reviewing its Dog Control Policy and Bylaw which set the local rules for owning dogs, providing them with recreational areas, and keeping people safe.

This bylaw and policy were last reviewed in 2015 and under the Local Government Act 2002 must be reviewed every 10 years. The review is a timely opportunity to ensure they are fit for purpose and still suit the needs of the Horowhenua community.

Our district is home to more than 6000 registered dogs and their owners. We’re fortunate to have a diverse range of parks, reserves, and recreational spaces, providing plenty of areas for dogs and their owners to enjoy. The Council maintains these public places on behalf of its residents, ensuring that Horowhenua remains a great place to live, work, and play.

Following pre-engagement with dog owners, Council has drafted changes to the policy and bylaw and is now seeking feedback from the wider community.

What we’re consulting on:

Responsible Dog Owner Approval

Feedback is sought on the Responsible Dog Owner Approval process, which rewards responsible dog owners with a registration discount. This is a renamed version of the Selected Owner Policy with slightly edited criteria and feedback on that criteria is encouraged.

The requirement to attend dog obedience classes has been adjusted so a Responsible Dog Owner Approval Ready certificate could be obtained by an owner instead. The requirement for a dog to be neutered to meet the criteria has also been removed.

The proposed criteria for Responsible Dog Owner Approval is:

• The outdoor area your dog(s) has access to is fully fenced. The fence must be well-built and high enough to prevent your dog from jumping over; and

• The housing arrangements for your dog(s) is suitable, ensuring kennels are weatherproof and hygienic; and

• You've been a registered dog owner within the Horowhenua District for at least 12 months, and Council has received no justified complaints about your dog(s) or your dog ownership behaviour in the previous 12 months (a complaint reviewed and found to have merit by Council); and

• You haven't received any warnings, infringements, impoundments, seizures, or abatements under the Dog Control Act 1996 in the previous 12 months; and

• Dog(s) have attended and passed dog obedience training to level 2 (Canine Good Basics) or above, and a copy of the certificate provided; or you've attended and received the Councils Responsible Dog Owner Approval Ready certificate; and

• You comply with the Horowhenua Dog Control Bylaw regarding dogs.

Note: The fencing doesn't need to cover the entire property. A portion of the yard is acceptable if it securely contains your dog. If you live in a property without direct outdoor access (such as an apartment), fencing requirements may not apply. If you're renting and are unable to install permanent fixtures, please contact Council to discuss acceptable alternatives.

Areas where dogs are allowed

The other part of the policy and bylaw we’d like feedback on is our dog exercise areas –whether there are enough, whether they're fit for purpose, and whether they allow dog owners and other members of the public to feel safe.

The changes made following pre-engagement feedback are:

The full list of dog exercise areas can be found in the Proposed Dog Control Policy and Bylaw.

Privacy Statement

All submissions made are publicly available on our website and at Council service centres. Your personal details (including name and contact details) will be provided in their entirety to Elected Members and made available to the public at our office and on our website, unless submitters request that this information be kept private. We collect your contact information so we can keep you up to date with the proposal.

For more information, see our privacy statement on www.horowhenua.govt.nz/PrivacyStatement