Council calls for feedback on new dog bylaw

A previous version of the Far North District Council's dog bylaw sparked heated discussions like this one at a Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board meeting. PHOTO / FILE

Far North Mayor John Carter is urging dog lovers and conservationists to study a proposed new dog control bylaw before making submissions.

A new round of public consultation on the controversial bylaw is due to start at the end of this month after councillors agreed unanimously last week to seek public feedback on the Dog Management Policy and Bylaw 2018.

The bylaw is a reworked version of the 2016 proposal which was eventually abandoned after running into staunch opposition from dog owners.

While the new proposal waters down aspects of the 2016 proposal it expands the number of urban areas subject to a two-dog per household limit from the current 12 to 44.

Carter said the council decided to refine the bylaw through a series of workshops with community representatives, staff and elected members after sections of the community objected.

The workshops, which were completed in May, had helped inform a raft of changes to the proposed bylaw.

The 2018 version addressed public concerns about where and when dogs could be exercised and enhanced rules designed to protect wildlife or sites of cultural importance.

It also refined the two-dog per owner rule currently applied to 12 residential areas, increasing the number of locations covered.

The current bylaw, passed in 2006, sets a two-dog limit in urban areas of Ahipara, East Coast (Taipa to Mangonui), Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Kerikeri-Waipapa, Moerewa, Okiato, Opononi-Omapere, Paihia-Opua, Rawene and Russell-Tapeka.

The new version adds Awanui, Haruru Falls, Hihi, Horeke, Houhora, Kaeo, Kaimaumau, Kohukohu, Manawaora, Matauri Bay, Mitimiti, Ngawha, Ninety Mile Beach (Waipapakauri Ramp), Ohaeawai, Okaihau, Opito Bay, Orongo, Parekura Bay, Pukenui, Rangiputa, Rangitane, Taronui, Taupo Bay, Tauranga Bay, Te Hapua, Te Haumi, Te Ngaere, Tokerau Beach, Totara North, Waimamaku, Whangaroa and Whatuwhiwhi.

Carter said all councillors agreed on the importance of gaining fresh public feedback.

"While this is not a total rewrite of the 2016 proposal, this version does address key concerns raised by submitters. It also better reflects the council's obligations under the Dog Control Act."

Comprehensive, easy-to-understand explanations of the new proposal would be distributed before the consultation period began on July 30.

"I urge all residents, whether they are dog owners or not, to carefully consider this information before making a submission."

The consultation period had been extended from the normal four weeks to eight. The closing date for submissions is September 24.