Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2008

The Christchurch City Council has revoked the Christchurch City Dog Control Policy 2003 and the Christchurch City Dog Control Bylaw 1997 and the Banks Peninsula District Council Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2004 and adopted a new policy and bylaw - the Christchurch City Council Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2008.

The new policy and bylaw are the mechanisms for controlling the registration of dogs; making provisions in relation to dangerous dogs; imposing obligations on owners to ensure dogs do not create a nuisance or injure or endanger any person; and do not endanger or injure any stock, other animals or wildlife.

The new Policy and the new Bylaw was adopted by Council on 19 June 2008 and come into force on 1 July 2008.

The new Dog Control Policy and Bylaw will:

• Set the framework for dog registration fees and classification of owners;
• Identify mechanisms for promoting responsible dog ownership and interaction with dogs;
• Set the framework for issuing of infringement notices and impounding of dogs;
• Specify the requirement for neutering of dogs classified as menacing or dangerous;
• Provide adequate opportunities to fulfil the exercise and recreational needs of dogs and their owners;
• Set the framework for categories of dog control;
• Notify areas where specific dog control status has been designated for reasons such as health and safety, hygiene, protection of wildlife, animals, stock and/or safety of people.
• Identify the matters to be covered by bylaws.

Written submissions were made to the Council between Wednesday 26 March and Monday 28 April 2008. The hearings were held on 5 and 7 May. The Panel deliberated on 14 May. The report of the Hearings Panel is available on the Council Website.
The new Christchurch City Council Dog Control Policy 2008 and the Christchurch City Council Dog Control Bylaw 2008 revokes and replaces the following:

• Christchurch City Dog Control Bylaw 1997
• Banks Peninsula District Council Dog Control Bylaw 2004
• Christchurch City Dog Control Policy 2003
• Banks Peninsula Dog Control Policy 2004

Copies of the Policy and Bylaw are available at service centres, Council libraries and on the Council’s website at www.ccc.govt.nz/bylaws.