Control of Dogs

Uncontrolled dogs can be a danger to people and other animals. It is the dog owners responsibility to ensure they have control of their dogs at all times.

Dog Attacks

Dog attacks are not acceptable in the Tararua District. If you are subject to a dog attack or witness one, ring Council immediately on 06 374 4080 (North) or 06 376 0110 (South).

More information on the grounds for seizure or destruction can be found in Sections 57-60 of the Dog Control Act 1996.

Dog Control Act 1996

Dog Control Policy And Bylaw

The Dog Control Policy's objective is to encourage responsible dog ownership and community awareness to promote an environment where dogs and people can happily and peacefully co-exist.

It details :

  • Obligations of dog owners, boarding and breeding kennels
  • Dogs in public places
  • Dog education
  • Owner classification
  • Classification of dogs (menacing or dangerous)
  • Administration and enforcement powers of council

Dog Control Policy for the Tararua District

The Dog Control Bylaw regulates dogs within the Tararua District to minimise danger, distress and nuisance from dogs. It sets out the requirements for the control of dogs in public places, requirements to remove dog faeces from public places (and private land not occupied by the dog owner), and places limitations on the number of dogs that can be kept in different parts of the Tararua District.

Dog Control Bylaw 2022 for the Tararua District

Dog Control Areas

The information below is Schedule One of the Dog Control Bylaw 2022 for the Tararua District.

A. Areas Where Dogs can be Exercised Unleashed (But Under Continuous Control)

Dannevirke

  • Railway embankment, Stanley Street
  • Railway reserve, Mangatera
  • Waihipai Domain grassed area opposite to Mangatera Hotel,
  • High Street

Pahiatua

  • A designated area at Victory Park

Any areas in the District not listed in Schedules B and C.

B. Leash Controlled Areas

With the exception of the streets described in Clause C below, dogs shall be permitted in the following places, provided they are on a leash.

All streets in the residential, commercial or industrial areas of:

  • Dannevirke
  • Norsewood
  • Ormondville
  • Pongaroa
  • Eketāhuna
  • Pahiatua
  • Woodville
  • Pahiatua River Walkway
  • Central Business District (CBD) Areas
C. Dog Prohibited Areas
  • All public reserves, wildlife reserves, sports grounds and sports stadiums situated in urban areas
  • Children’s playgrounds
  • All public libraries administered by the Council
  • All public swimming baths
  • All cemeteries administered by the Council
Exemptions
  • Any areas specifically set aside as dog toileting areas or dog exercise areas
  • Any dog attending a veterinary clinic
  • Any guide dog, hearing ear dog, or companion dog Page 13 of 14 Dog Control Bylaw 2022
  • Any dog kept by the Police or any constable or any Department of State when used for the purposes of carrying out the functions, powers and duties of the Police, or Department of State
  • Any dog owned by a security guard as defined in Section 4 of the Police Investigators and Security Guards Act 1974 when used for the purposes for carrying out the business of a security guard
  • Any dog present in connection with search and rescue training or work