Public consultation on Auckland dog rules to go ahead

Aucklanders will have their say about changes the council want to make to the region's dog rules.

The proposed bylaw includes limits on the number of dogs that can be walked at once, what regional parks dogs can visit and that menacing dogs must be neutered.

Last month, Auckland Council's regulatory and safety committee backed plans for public consultation on the Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw to go ahead this year.

The mayor and councillors will decide later when this will be.

In a statement, committee chair councillor Josephine Bartley said testing the proposed changes with Aucklanders was a key part of the policy review process.

“Dogs can be a great part of life in Auckland," Bartley said.

"They can become our best friends, and we have lots of fantastic places to get out and enjoy with our dogs in Tāmaki Makaurau."

The aim of the dog laws update was to help "keep pooches a positive part of our lives."

"We want to maintain a mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces, so there are public spaces that everyone can enjoy, and to help keep Aucklanders, our environment and wildlife safe too."

Councillor Josephine Bartley with her dog, Milo. Photo/Auckland Council

The Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw are reviewed every few years to ensure they still meet Aucklanders' needs.

Council proposed changes to include updating where dogs can and cannot go at 14 of Auckland’s regional parks, setting limits on the number of dogs that can be walked at once, and clarifying some of the existing rules to make the policy and bylaw easier to understand.

These included requirements to neuter dogs classified as menacing, including those relocated from outside Auckland.

Local boards were also considering proposed changes to where dogs can and cannot go at some local parks and beaches.

“We know many Aucklanders love their dogs, so updating this policy is not something we are doing lightly.

"The changes being proposed have been shaped by robust data and feedback. They also reflect the different ways that some public places are being used now, compared to when the policy was last reviewed in 2019."

An analysis of complaints data found that most dog-related complaints were about dog access rules not being followed, and multiple dogs were being walked together. Photo/supplied

Bartley said some areas were no longer suitable for dogs, with endangered birds nesting and kauri growing, and were not well-used by families.

Preliminary feedback from a public survey in March 2024 showed the common issues for Aucklanders were owners not picking up after their dogs, packs of dogs taking up pathways, and dogs wandering off-leash in an on-leash area.

An analysis of complaints data found that most dog-related complaints were about dog access rules not being followed and multiple dogs being walked together.

Council staff also analysed statistics from animal management service requests, multiple dog ownership licences, registrations, and the animal management annual report.

The National Survey of Dog Attacks data, dog control statistics, and Accident Compensation Corporation’s dog-related claims were reviewed.

The Council interviewed groups, including Auckland SPCA, commercial dog walkers, Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming and Friends of Regional Parks.

“Council staff have carried out a thorough review of the data and this has informed the proposed changes to the Dog Policy.

Bartley said the level of due diligence was vital when recommending changes to policies and bylaws.

“Now we want Aucklanders to have their say on these proposals."

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.