Residents and ratepayers can unleash their views on the Auckland Council’s proposed changes to dog rules.
The public can take part in the five-week consultation that closes on Sunday, February 23.
The council says changes being proposed are part of a regular review of Auckland’s dog policy, Dog Management Bylaw, and local dog access rules.
Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the council’s regulatory and safety committee, says the proposals aim to strike a fair balance for everyone who uses the region’s public places.
“We’re so lucky to have a variety of public spaces to share in Tāmaki Makaurau.
“It’s important we maintain a balance that respects everybody’s right to use them.
“The changes being put forward aim to keep a good mix of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces so there are places for dogs, and anyone who is not a dog person, to enjoy,” says Bartley.
“This will also help to protect vulnerable wildlife, like endangered shorebirds nesting on our beaches, and kauri in specific places,” she says.
The council says data shows that multiple dogs being walked together appears to be an emerging issue for Aucklanders, so a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked at the same time is also being proposed.
“This aims to respond to the concerns in a way that’s fair and reasonable, without imposing unnecessary restrictions,” says Bartley.
“Ultimately, everyone should feel safe and welcome to visit Auckland’s parks, beaches and public spaces – this is at the heart of these proposals.
“This is a topic that people are passionate about – I know as well as anyone that we want the best for our beloved pets.
“Testing these changes with Aucklanders is key to making sure we have it right. If this is important to you, I strongly encourage you to have your say online, or at one of the many engagement events being held across the region.”
Changes to dog rules include a lot of parks and beaches in central, west and north Auckland.
The one in east Auckland is Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga, near the Howick Historical Village (Howick ward).
South Auckland: Ambury Regional Park (change to policy wording only; no change to dog access rules), and Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Franklin ward: Hunua Ranges Regional Park, Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Waitawa Regional Park, Clevedon Showground Reserve, designated dog exercise areas, Kawakawa Bay Beach, shell banks and coastal areas from Waiau Pa to Ellets Beach, and sports fields in the former Franklin District Council area.
- Doggy details – what are the proposed changes?
The council says changes aim to maintain a balance of dog-friendly and dog-free spaces.
They cover dog access rules (where dogs can go off a leash, on a leash, or are not allowed) at 14 regional parks and 64 places in local parks and beaches across the region.
New off-leash areas are recommended, as well as changes to keep dogs out of places with vulnerable wildlife, and to provide some places for the public to visit that are completely dog-free.
Under the proposed changes, the council says people can walk a maximum of six dogs at once and only three of those dogs can be off a leash.
It means people could walk three dogs off a leash at once, or three dogs off a leash and an additional three dogs on a leash, or six dogs on a leash.
The council adds some existing rules in the policy and bylaw will be made clearer.
“This includes the need for any dogs classified as menacing and dangerous to be neutered if they move into the Auckland region, rules and exemptions for working dogs and dogs in vehicles, plus dog access rules for places such as council car parks and camping grounds.”
- What does the data say?
The council says proposed changes have been shaped by early feedback from Aucklanders, interviews with groups and individuals with an interest in dog rules, and analysis of relevant data, including complaints to the council, animal management service requests and dog registrations.
“An analysis of dog-related complaint data found complaints about dog access rules not being followed and multiple dogs being walked at once.
“In a preliminary survey in March 2024, Aucklanders told us that owners not picking-up after their dog, dogs wandering off-leash in on-leash areas and packs of dogs taking up pathways were of concern to them.”
- Auckland residents and ratepayers can view the full list of changes being put forward in the statement of proposal documents for the review of the policy and bylaw (including regional parks) and local dog access rules. The documents are available on AKHaveYourSay.
