- By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air
The Auckland Council will call for public feedback on proposed changes to dog management bylaws, including restrictions on the number of dogs one person can walk.
At the council’s Governing Body meeting on December 12, councillors agreed to consult with residents and ratepayers on proposed changes to its policy on dogs and dog management bylaw.
One of the significant proposals is to set a limit on the number of dogs a person can walk at one time.
The council is proposing a maximum of six dogs of which no more than three would be allowed under control and off leash at any time.
The proposed bylaw would also look to update dog access rules at 14 Auckland regional parks including Waitawa, Whakanewha, Wenderholm, Shakespeare, Te Ārai, Scott Point, and Mahurangi East.
Councillor Daniel Newman raised concerns about the feasibility of enforcing limits on dog walking.
“How are you going to enforce that? This is a question that will come up,” Newman asked.
Senior policy manager Paul Wilson explained that enforcement would rely on the council’s animal management officers, who already conduct patrols and respond to complaints.
“Our normal patrols and our normal responses to complaints,” Wilson said.
Newman responded that enforcement could be challenging due to resource constraints.
“The animal management officers in my ward are busy managing dogs that aren’t being walked – they’re running and biting,” Newman said.
Wilson assured that the new rules would not place additional strain on resources.
The animal management officers would maintain their current patrols and approach to compliance.
“They’re the same issues they have with enforcing all of our dog access rules – same approach, same resources,” Wilson said.
Councillor Greg Sayers asked about the feedback council received from professional dog walkers.
“There are professional dog walking groups out there. I have heard feedback from them saying, ‘we do this for a living, our whole industry revolves around this’,” Sayers said.
“They’re very good at what they do, and they can control quite a large number of dogs.”
Wilson responded that the council was having to balance the needs of dog owners, dogs and other users of public spaces.
“The Dog Control Act talks about where it’s practical to [manage] people’s fears and intimidation around dogs and when people are coming across packs of dogs there is that level of concern,” Wilson said.
“This has tried to strike that balance between enabling people to still use professional dog walkers as a way to have their dogs get adequate exercise, and at the same time providing for the safety and comfort of other users of public places.”
The consultation will be open for five weeks, starting on January 20.
