Auckland residents will soon have the opportunity to voice their opinions on potential changes to the city’s dog regulations, as the Auckland Council moves forward with plans for public consultation next year.
The proposed revisions to the Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw include several key changes, such as restrictions on the number of dogs that can be walked together, adjustments to which regional parks dogs can visit, and a requirement for menacing dogs to be neutered.
The decision to proceed with public consultation was approved this week by the Council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee. The mayor and councilors will later determine the timeline for the consultation process.
In a statement, Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the committee, emphasized the importance of gathering input from Aucklanders as part of the policy review. “Dogs are an important part of life in Auckland,” Bartley said. “They’re often our best friends, and there are so many wonderful places to enjoy with our dogs in Tāmaki Makaurau. Our goal is to ensure dogs remain a positive part of our lives, while also maintaining spaces that everyone can enjoy.”
The updated rules are designed to balance the needs of dog owners with the broader community, ensuring safe and accessible public spaces. The council aims to create a mix of dog-friendly and dog-free areas to protect both people and wildlife, as well as to maintain the integrity of Auckland’s environment.
Proposed Changes to the Dog Management Bylaw
Among the proposed changes are:
- Restricting the number of dogs that can be walked at one time
- Reviewing access rules for dogs at 14 regional parks
- Clarifying existing regulations to make the rules easier to understand
- Requiring menacing dogs, including those relocated from outside the region, to be neutered
Local boards are also considering changes to where dogs can and cannot go at various parks and beaches.
Public Concerns and Data-Driven Decisions
Preliminary feedback from a public survey conducted in March 2024 identified several common concerns, including issues with owners not cleaning up after their dogs, multiple dogs blocking pathways, and dogs being allowed to roam off-leash in on-leash areas.
An analysis of complaint data revealed that many dog-related grievances stemmed from breaches of access rules, as well as concerns about people walking multiple dogs at once. The council also reviewed data from animal management services, dog ownership licenses, and national surveys on dog attacks and related claims.
Additionally, feedback from local groups, such as the Auckland SPCA, commercial dog walkers, and regional park advocates, has helped shape the proposed changes. Bartley assured that the recommendations for policy changes were backed by thorough research and community input.
“We know how much Aucklanders love their dogs, which is why we are taking such a careful approach to these proposed changes,” Bartley said. “It’s crucial that we ensure the rules continue to serve the needs of our community, while protecting our environment and wildlife.”
Next Steps
The council now looks to gather further feedback from Auckland residents. Once the public consultation is complete, councillors will review the input and make any necessary adjustments to the proposed changes before moving forward with implementation.
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