Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee has backed plans for public consultation on updates to the region’s dog rules. The Dog Policy and Dog Management Bylaw is reviewed every few years to check it still meets the needs of Aucklanders.
Chair of the committee, Councillor Josephine Bartley, says testing the proposed changes with Aucklanders is a key part of the policy review process.
“Dogs can be a great part of life in Auckland. They can become our best friends, and we have lots of fantastic places to get our and enjoy with our dogs in Tāmaki Makaurau.
“The aim of this update is 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.
“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. For example, some areas are no longer suitable for dogs, as there are now endangered birds nesting there, kauri growing, or they’re well-used by families.
“Now we need to test the proposed changes with communities. Everyone will have a chance to have their say on this policy update,” she says.
Next, Auckland’s mayor and councillors will be asked to decide when the public consultation will take place.
Evidence-backed proposals
Reviewing evidence is the first step when updating policies or bylaws. It shows where the policy works well, and where it could be improved.
Preliminary feedback from a public survey in March 2024 shows the common issues for Aucklanders are owners not picking up after their dog, packs of dogs taking up pathways, and dogs wandering off-leash in an on-leash area.
51 per cent of respondents had experienced problems when encountering four or more dogs being walked at once – the higher the number of dogs being walked, the higher this percentage was.
An analysis of complaints data found that most dog-related complaints were about dog access rules not being followed, and over one third were to do with situations where multiple dogs were being walked together.
Council staff also analysed statistics from animal management service requests, multiple dog ownership licences, registrations, and the animal management annual report. They also reviewed Auckland data from the National Survey of Dog Attacks, dog control statistics and Accident Compensation Corporation’s dog related claims
From April-May 2024, staff 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. This level of due diligence is vital when recommending changes to policies and bylaws, as these are the rules we will all live by if adopted.
“Now we want Aucklanders to have their say on these proposals,” says Cr Bartley.
You can read the review findings here.
What are the proposed changes?
The proposed changes to the policy and bylaw 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.
- Making the policy and bylaw easier to understand by clarifying some of the existing rules, such as requirements to neuter dogs classified as menacing, including those that have been relocated from outside Auckland.
Proposed changes to where dogs can and cannot go at some local parks and beaches are also being considered by local boards. Any changes will be included in the public consultation on the policy and bylaw.
What happens next?
Auckland’s mayor and councillors will now be asked to set a date in 2025 for public consultation on the proposals.
Keep an eye on OurAuckland for more information.
