|
Hearings Panel Resolved BLHP/2025/00006
Part A
That the
Council:
1.
Approves the tracked
changes version of the Dog Control Policy 2025 (Attachment A)
including the following changes made as a result of submissions and staff
advice:
a.
Adding a date when
the policy comes into force (3 November 2025);
b.
Amending section
3.1.1 to align with the bylaw and make it clear that if a dog is unable to
consistently and quickly respond to commands, it must be leashed in public
places, whether a leash is required or not;
c.
Adding an explanatory
note to section 6.1.3, to note that the prohibition does not apply to
organised Council events designed for dogs at Council swimming or paddling
pools;
d.
Amending the summary
of general leashed areas in section 6.2 to reflect a title change;
e.
Amending section
6.2.2 so that the title is “On all paths in greenspace areas” and
replacing the text to align with the bylaw wording;
f.
Amending 6.2.6 to
explain that leashing on sports fields applies to the active playing area
(and within five metres of it), but does not apply in other areas or at other
times;
g.
Adding a new section
(9.7) to provide advice on protecting dog paws during the heat;
h.
Adding an explanatory
note to section 9.8 to enable the Animal Services Manager to waive certain
requirements for approved events designed for dogs or the inclusion of dogs;
i.
Amending entries in
Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Policy 2025 in the following ways:
i.
Amending the dog
control status of HMNZS Steadfast (Lyttelton) from
“Leashed” to “Leashed/Under effective control” and
amending the description in relation to required dog controls to require
leashing only during events;
ii.
Adding a dog control
status and definition for Hoon Hay Scenic Reserve (Governor’s Bay)
requiring that dogs are leashed in the eastern area to protect grazing stock;
iii.
Amending the dog
control status of The Groynes from “leashed” to
“leashed/under effective control” and amending the description in
relation to required dog controls to enable dogs unleashed access to the
river and track alongside the dog park;
iv.
Amending the
description of Kaputone Confluence Conservation Park to Kaputahi
Confluence Conservation Park;
v.
Amending the comments
of the description of Styx Mill Conservation Reserve (excluding the west
end and dog park) to enable leashed dogs access on specified paths;
vi.
Amending the dog
control status of the Styx Mill Conservation Reserve - west end to
allow dogs to be off leash on the open field area near the dog park;
vii.
Amending the comment
of the description of the Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary by
including the words “roost” and “moult”;
viii.
Amending the dog
control status of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor from
“prohibited / leashed / under effective control” to
“leashed / under effective control”, and amending the comment to
require leashing everywhere except in mown grass areas, other than former
roads closed to motor vehicles and to add clarifications about former roads
and access to the river from mown areas;
ix.
Simplifying the entry
title for the Central City and amending the comment of the description
by deleting the proposed removal of the leashing requirement for Latimer
Square and Rauora Park (to retain leashing), and excluding the Avon Loop from
the Central City entry so that it is covered by the Ōtākaro Avon
River Corridor entry (meaning dogs may be under effective control in mown
areas, but must be leashed elsewhere);
x.
Amending the entry
title of Te Kuru Wetlands by adding the words “including Milns,
Eastman, Sutherlands and Hoon Hay basins”.
xi.
Adding a new section
to clarify that dogs are prohibited in specified reserves managed by the
Council but not within the Council’s district.
2.
Approves the tracked
change version of the Dog Control Bylaw 2025 at Attachment B,
including the following changes made as a result of submissions and staff
advice:
a.
Amending clause 1 to
specify the date the bylaw comes into force (3 November 2025);
b.
Adding definitions to
clause 4 for “formed track”, “greenspace
areas” and “path” to support the clause requiring leashing
on paths in greenspace areas;
c.
Adding an explanatory
note after clause 5(4) to clarify that the maximum limit on the
number of dogs a person can take into a public place also applies at dog
parks and in dog exercise areas;
d.
Adding an explanatory
note after clause 8(C) so that the prohibition does not apply
to organised Council events designed for dogs at Council swimming or
paddling pools;
e.
Amending the title of
clause 9(B) to “All paths in greenspace areas”, and
amending the clause to remove the reference to “short leash” and
replace “footpaths, shared paths, and formed tracks” with
“all paths” to simplify the clause;
f.
Replacing the
explanatory note to clause 9(B) to provide clarification about the
application of the clause;
g.
Amending clause
9(F) so that the requirement to leash dogs on sports fields applies
only to the active playing area (and within five metres of it) while games or
practice sessions are underway, and clarifying that dogs may be under
effective control outside of the area and at other times;
3.
Determines that the
Dog Control Bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing the issue of dog
control, is the most appropriate form of bylaw and does not give rise to any
New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 implications, pursuant to section 155 of
the Local Government Act 2002.
4.
Approves that staff
are otherwise authorised to correct any typographical errors and to make
minor changes to the policy and bylaw, including but not limited to updating
policy numbers and ensuring consistency between the policy and bylaw.
5.
Recommends that
Council consider the following noting recommendations from the Hearings
Panel:
a.
That staff review
animal management services to ensure alignment with the revised policy and
bylaw so that dog registration fees are adequate to respond to the new
regulations (including compliance monitoring, education and enforcement
activities) ahead of the next annual plan process.
b.
That staff update or install
new signage to support the implementation of the replacement policy and
bylaw;
c.
That staff update and
improve the online map that reflects the dog controls in schedule 1 of the
Dog Control Policy so that it is up-to-date and clear;
d.
That staff explore
opportunities to encourage dog owners to undertake training for their dogs to
better improve dog control in public places;
e.
That information
about the replacement Dog Control Policy and Bylaw and other helpful online
information is sent to dog owners as part of the dog registration
process;
f.
That staff develop an
online application for the dog limit exemption process;
g.
That staff explore
whether there are any opportunities to install rubbish bins in key locations
to support dog owners picking up after their dogs;
h.
That staff
investigate options for a dog park, dog exercise area or other fenced area
where dogs can be exercised off leash in the Central City, to encourage and
support inner-city living;
i.
That staff
investigate options for a dog exercise area in Diamond Harbour;
j.
That staff
investigate implementing an innovative communications pilot programme
(including signage) to support behaviour change and education for dog owners
and;
k.
That staff
investigate ways to improve education and owner responsibility around dog
fouling.
Deputy Mayor/Councillor Barber Carried
|
