Control of Dog Bylaw and Draft Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy
Control of Dog Bylaw and Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy
Under the Dog Control Act 1996, all territorial authorities must have a dog control policy and an associated bylaw to give effect to that policy.
The purpose of the Bylaw is to give effect to the Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy by:
• Requiring owners to keep dogs under control in all public places
• Prohibiting dogs, whether under control or not, from specified public places
• Providing designated dog exercise and recreation areas
• Providing minimum standards for the accommodation and care of dogs
• Requiring dog owners to immediately remove dog faeces from public places or land not occupied by the owner
• Sets the level of enforcement for dogs that are a nuisance and the impounding of a
dog in breach of the bylaw
• Sets the number of dogs at a residential address
We’re reviewing the rules for dogs in Rangitīkei, and we want to know what you think.
Most of the current dog control rules would remain unchanged. However, following feedback from our community and a review of the existing Bylaw and Policy, Council is proposing several practical changes. These changes aim to clarify dog owners’ responsibilities, address issues identified during the review and help our Animal Control Team apply the rules clearly and consistently across the district.
What you told us during early engagement
In December 2025, we asked you what was working well with dog control in Rangitīkei, and where we might need to make some improvements.
Where we need improvements
- We heard dog poo being left behind in parks and other public places is a problem. To support this, we’re proposing a requirement in the Bylaw that anyone taking a dog into a public place must carry a suitable bag to pick up after them.
- We heard people are concerned about roaming dogs and dogs not being properly controlled in public places. To help address this, we’re proposing clearer wording about what it means to have your dog ‘under control’, including clarifying that the person responsible for the dog needs to be capable of controlling or restraining it.
- We’re also proposing clarifying requirements around carrying and using a leash when walking your dog.
- We heard Hunterville needs a suitable local place where dogs can exercise off-leash. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet identified somewhere suitable that can safely and practically be designated as a dog exercise area.
- We are proposing to remove picnic areas from the list of prohibited areas and instead require dogs to be kept on a leash in these areas.
Consultation documents and supporting information
The Statement of Proposal, Draft Control of Dog Bylaw 2026, Draft Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy 20206, Proposed Dog Exercise Areas and the Findings Report are link below:
- Statement of Proposal for the Draft Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy and Draft Control of Dogs Bylaw
- Draft Control of Dog Bylaw 2026
- Draft Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy 2026
- Proposed Dog exercise areas
- Findings Report
Supporting Information
Tell us what you think.
We welcome submissions from dog owners and non-dog owners, residents, community organisations and anyone who uses Rangitīkei’s parks and public spaces.
Printed copies of the consultation documents and submission forms are available at Council’s community hubs and service centres.
If you need help making a submission or require the information in another format, please call 0800 422 522 or email submissions@rangitikei.govt.nz
What happens next?
Consultation closes 5.00pm Friday, 16 October 2026
Please provide feedback before this date to ensure it is considered.
Policy/Planning Committee Hearings held 05 November 2026
If you would like the opportunity to speak, please note this on your submission form.
Deliberations and Decision – Date to be confirmed
This is where Elected Members consider all feedback provided during consultation and discuss whether any changes need to be made to the proposed documents before they are adopted and put into action.
Adoption – December 2026 or early 2027
Following hearings and deliberations, Council will consider whether to adopt the proposed Bylaw and Policy, with or without amendments
Need more information?
- Contact our council staff by calling 0800 422 522
- Email us at info@rangitikei.govt.nz
Frequently Asked Questions
Councils are required under the Dog Control Act 1996 to adopt a dog control policy and may make a bylaw to give effect to that policy.
This is an opportunity to seek feedback from our community and balance the needs of dog owners with the safety and enjoyment of the wider community.
The Policy explains Council’s overall approach to dog control and responsible dog ownership, including how dogs will be managed across the district.
The Bylaw contains the enforceable rules that dog owners must follow, such as where dogs must be on a leash, where dogs are prohibited, and requirements for keeping and controlling dogs.
We are proposing changes to make it clearer where dogs can be exercised, where they must be on a leash, and where they are prohibited.
The proposed changes also recognise how public spaces are currently used and aim to balance opportunities for dogs to exercise with the safety and enjoyment of other people, children, animals and park users.
- Online using the consultation form on this page
- By email to submissions@rangitikei.govt.nz
- In person by completing a hard-copy submission form, available from Council’s service centres and libraries, and returning it to one of our customer service centres in Marton, Bulls or Taihape.
Yes. Hearings are scheduled to be held before the Policy/Planning Committee on Thursday, 5 November 2026. If you wish to speak, please indicate this on your submission form.
Council will adopt the Bylaw and Policy either in December 2026 or early 2027.