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Rangitikei District Council strapline

Control of Dog Bylaw and Draft Dog Control and Owner Responsibility Policy

Temporary Note

Consultation Opens soon

Submissions open on Monday, 14 September 2026 and close at 5.00 pm on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Please check back soon.

(Page is currently under construction)

Kōrero mai – Have Your Say

Closed for feedback: Monday, 22nd December 2025 - Tuesday, 20th January 2026

Rangitīkei District Council’s Control of Dogs Bylaw and Policy are due for review. Councils must review dog control bylaws every ten years to ensure they stay relevant.

As we commence this review, we want to understand what is happening in our communities.

This is your opportunity to share experiences, ideas, concerns, or anything you think we should know about how dogs are managed and provided for in Rangitīkei. Your feedback will help us understand what is working well, or if there are issues that require attention.

Once the review is complete, we’ll come back to you with any proposed changes to the Bylaw and Policy for public consultation which is when you’ll be able to make a submission and speak directly to Councillors if you wish.

Your voice will play an important part in shaping the future of dog management in our district.

Why we want your feedback…

Council is asking for your feedback now to give residents the chance to share experiences, concerns, and ideas about dog ownership before any proposed changes are drafted to the Bylaw and Policy.

Council uses your feedback to:

  • Hear community views early
  • Identify key issues or trends
  • Prepare a clearer and more informed review

Quick survey – Make a big difference

Here are five quick survey questions for both dog owners and non-dog owners. They won’t take long, but your answers will provide valuable insight.

  1. What do you think is working well with how dogs are currently managed in Rangitīkei?
  2. Have you noticed any specific dog-related issues or challenges in your area?
  3. Do you support dog owners being able to walk their dogs off-leash in appropriate areas, as long as the dog is under control? Are there additional areas that you would like us to consider?
  4. How can Rangitīkei District Council better support and promote responsible dog ownership in our communities?
  5. Is there anything else you’d like us to consider as part of the Dog Control Bylaw and Policy review?

Provide feedback

How your feedback will be used

  • Staff will analyse all feedback received
  • The Dog Control Bylaw and Policy are reviewed and updated if needed
  • Reviewed documents are presented to Council for consideration
  • If approved, the proposed Bylaw and Policy are released for public consultation, where you can submit feedback and speak to your submissions if you want to.

Supporting Information

To help you provide feedback, here are links to our current Dog Control Policy, Dog Control Bylaw and our Good Dog Owner Handbook:

Maps of our current dog exercise areas include:

Timeline

  • Feedback opportunity opens: Monday, 22 December 2025
    This is your opportunity to share experiences, concerns, and ideas about good dog ownership.
  • Feedback opportunity closes: Tuesday, 20th January 2026
    Please provide feedback before this date to ensure that it is considered in the review.
  • Draft review presented to council: 12 February 2026
    A findings report on the review of the Policy and Bylaw will be compiled and be presented to Council.

Need more information?

Make a submission

Frequently Asked Questions

Councils are required under the Dog Control Act 1996 to have a dog control policy and policy that supports it.

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 – this will be held Thursday, November to the Policy/Planning Committee

Council will adopt the Bylaw and Policy either in December 2026 or early 2027 depending on the level of feedback that may impact on changes.