Dog Control Policy

Adopted 19 February 2013

1    Introduction

1.1    Nelson is known as a place that welcomes dogs, recognising the role they play in:
•    Encouraging people to exercise, as they take their dogs for a walk or run.
•    Enhancing social wellbeing, as dog owners interact with others while exercising their dogs.
•    Providing companionship for many people.  This is particularly important for people living on their own, which is an increasing trend.
1.2    The Council is also mindful of the need to minimise adverse impacts of dogs on the community.  The Dog Control Act 1996 (the Act), amended by the Dog Control Amendment Acts 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2010, places an obligation on the Council to adopt a policy about dogs, and to adopt a bylaw to give effect to this policy.  In adopting a policy under section 10 of the Dog Control Act, the Council must have regard to:
•    the need to minimise danger, distress, and nuisance to the community generally; and
•    the need to avoid the inherent danger in allowing dogs to have uncontrolled access to public places that are frequented by children, whether or not the children are accompanied by adults; and
•    the importance of enabling, to the extent that is practicable, the public (including families) to use streets and public amenities without fear of attack or intimidation by dogs; and
•    the exercise and recreational needs of dogs and their owners.

2    Dogs in Public Places

2.1    Some areas have been set aside as where dogs are not allowed to go at all where there are important recreation, conservation or human safety values to be protected.
2.2    There are high concentrations of people in Nelson’s central business district, and the Stoke and Tahunanui shopping centres.  For this reason, it is safer to require dogs to be on a lead in these areas.
2.3    Neighbourhood parks are generally relatively small and are commonly used by children.  To avoid risks to children, dogs should be on a lead in these areas.  There are some exceptions to this, where neighbourhood parks are larger and there are no children’s playgrounds within them.  Examples are Grampian Oaks Reserve and Andrews Farm Reserve.
2.4    In all public places where dogs are not prohibited or required to be on a lead, dogs must be under the control of their owner at all times.  Some owners are able to control their dogs using voice commands, and others will need to have their dogs on a lead to achieve adequate control.  It will be the responsibility of the dog owner to decide how best to ensure they are in control of their dog’s movements and actions.
2.5    A working dog, as defined in the Dog Control Bylaw 2013, may be exempted from clauses 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4, subject to conditions, while it is engaged in or being used for its working purpose.
Dogs Prohibited
2.6    No person shall allow any dog of which they are the owner to enter upon or remain on any part of any public place or area specified in Schedule One.
Dogs Permitted on a Lead
2.7    No person shall allow any dog of which they are the owner to enter upon or remain on any part of any public place or area specified in Schedule Two unless the dog is at all times controlled on a lead.
Dogs in all other Public Places
2.8    In all public places where dogs are not prohibited or required to be on a lead, dogs must be kept under control by the owner.  It is the responsibility of the owner to decide whether this control can be achieved off lead or on a lead.  Nothing in this clause absolves the owner from the obligation to carry a lead at all times while he or she is with the dog in a public place.
2.9    Every person, while exercising any dog, shall ensure that at all times the dog is under an appropriate degree of control which will ensure that the dog does not cause a nuisance to any other person using the area, or rush at or startle any person in a manner that causes that person to be injured or endangered, or causes any property to be damaged or endangered.
2.10    The ability to exercise dogs without a lead does not absolve owners from their obligation under the Dog Control Act 1996 to ensure that their dog is kept under control, and to carry a lead at all times while with the dog in a public place.
2.11    Keeping a dog under control includes the obligation to ensure that the dog does not stray on to any private property.

3    Registration Fees

3.1    The Council has adopted a fee structure which recognises the following types of dogs:
•    Urban Dogs.
•    Rural Dogs.  Note: Dogs and their owners are classified as Rural if they reside on a property which has an area in excess of 1 hectare.
•    Dogs on the Good Dog Owner scheme (refer Clause 7.4).
•    Police dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs and any disability assist dogs.
•    Dogs classified as dangerous.
3.2    The Act requires that all money received from registration fees or other charges levied under the Act are to be applied only for Dog Control purposes.  The Council acknowledges that good dog owners tend to subsidise the cost of activity related to irresponsible owners and to this end will encourage owners to take responsibility for their dogs to ensure that fees can be kept as low as possible.
3.3    Dog owners who do not act responsibly or maintain adequate control over their dogs may be penalised to ensure that they meet the costs of the additional work.  In addition the Council will endeavour to operate the Pound on a cost recovery basis so that as far as possible Council operates a user pays system.

4    Barking Dogs

4.1    Section 55 of the Dog Control Act 1996 authorises Council Dog Control Officers to issue an abatement notice to any person who owns a dog which the Officer considers is causing a nuisance by persistent and loud barking or howling.  Non compliance with this notice will result in enforcement action.
4.2    Section 56 authorises the Officer to remove the dog from the property if the owner takes no action, or the nuisance is continuing and causing distress to any person.
4.3    The Council will continue to implement these provisions on complaint. 

5    Menacing and Dangerous Dogs

5.1    The Act contains a number of provisions which enable the Council to require specific control action to be taken in respect of menacing and dangerous dogs.
5.2    A menacing dog is one which has not been classified as a dangerous dog, but which the Council considers may pose a threat to any person, stock, poultry or domestic animal or protected wildlife because of observed or reported behaviour or any characteristics typically associated with the breed or type.
5.3    The Council must classify a dog as a menacing dog if it believes that the dog belongs wholly or predominantly to a breed or type prohibited under Section 30A of the Act.
5.4    Section 30A of the Dog Control Act 1996 states that no person may import into New Zealand any dog that belongs wholly or predominantly to one or more breed or type of dog listed in Schedule 4 of the Act (listed below).  Breed of dog:
•    Brazilian Fila.
•    Dogo Argentino.
•    Japanese Tosa.
•    Perro de Presa Canario.
Type of dog:
•    American Pit Bull Terrier.
5.5    A dangerous dog is one which the Council has, on sworn evidence attesting to aggressive behaviour by the dog, reasonable grounds to believe it constitutes a threat to the safety of any person, stock, poultry or domestic animal or protected wildlife, or the owner has admitted in writing that the dog constitutes such a threat, or has already been convicted of an offence relating to the dog attacking a person or an animal.
5.6    Sections 31 to 33 of the Act outline the reasons why, and the manner in which, a dog may be classified as dangerous, and the obligations which this imposes on an owner which includes having the dog on a lead and muzzled when in public and compulsory neutering of the dog.
5.7    Sections 33A to 33EC of the Act contain similar provisions relating to menacing dogs.  These dogs are also required to be on a lead and muzzled when in public but neutering of these dogs is at the discretion of the Council.  As a matter of policy the Council will require all dogs classified as menacing to be neutered.
5.8    The Council will require the neutering of any dog of the breed or type to which section 30A of the Act applies, and will require any other dog to be neutered when the classification is confirmed.

6    Enforcement

6.1    The Act provides that the Council may issue Infringement Notices which provide an instant fine for a number of offences.  As the Council’s aim is to promote owner responsibility, an education and advisory approach will generally be taken.  However, enforcement action may be taken against repeat offenders.  Infringement Notices may be preceded by a written warning.  In those instances where the actions of the owner amount to a wilful disregard for the safety or convenience of any person or animal, or a fraudulent or deliberate attempt to circumvent the requirements of the Act or the Dog Control Bylaw 2013, an infringement Notice is likely to be issued without warning.
6.2    Where a written warning is ignored, or the offence is repeated within two years, or the behaviour is seen to be becoming habitual the appropriate Infringement Notice may be issued.
6.3    Any dog found at large in any public place at any time, in contravention of the Dog Control Bylaw 2013, may be seized and impounded by any Dog Control Officer, Dog Ranger or other person authorised by the Council.  Consideration will be given to reducing impounding fees on a case by case basis, if the dog owner carries out an assessment of their property and rectifies any fencing inadequacies.  Council will assist in assessment of properties if requested.
6.4    The Council will enforce the requirement for owners to remove their dog’s faeces and the Dog Control Bylaw 2013 will require persons to have a bag with them when exercising any dog.
6.5    Where the offence relates to a failure to register a dog, the action which generally will be followed is for the Council to seize and impound the dog.
6.6    Section 42 of the Dog Control Act 1996 authorises a Dog Control Officer to enter any land or premises (except a dwelling house) occupied by the owner of the dog for the purpose of seizing and impounding an unregistered dog.
6.7    The Council will also make use of the provisions of the Act relating to Probationary Owners and Disqualification of Owners to, over time; improve the level of owner responsibility or to bar irresponsible persons from future ownership or control of any dog.
6.8    The enforcement policy will be communicated to all owners at the time of registration.

7    Owner Education

7.1    The Council carries out the following initiatives to encourage responsible dog ownership.  These are:
•    The Doggy Do project.
•    The Good Dog Owner Policy.
•    Information for dog owners, and the wider community.
•    Patrols by Dog Control Officers
The Doggy Do Project
7.2    The Council provides dispensers for plastic rubbish bags as a convenience for people exercising their dogs in a number of areas within the city.  The presence of these is one way the Council can encourage owners to pick up their dog’s faeces.
7.3    However, the main focus will continue to be on the owner’s personal responsibility to remember to take a bag and to pick up after their dogs.  The provision of dispensers is limited to high use sites only.  Dog owners will also be encouraged to make use of bags which are readily available from other sources such as recycled bread bags and plastic shopping bags.
Good Dog Owner Policy
7.4    A new Good Dog Owner policy takes effect from July 2013:
•    Substantial Good Dog Owner discount applies on an annual basis for meeting the following three conditions:
o    Having no more than one minor, proven complaint/impounding; and
o    Having adequate fencing or other means of containing their dog on the property, and complying with standard welfare requirements for water, shelter and food (spot checks will apply); and
o    Paying registration fees on time.
•    Ongoing discount applies for any dog that is either neutered, or for dogs registered as members of the New Zealand Kennel Club.
•    One voucher will be available per dog, for all dog owners towards attending a recognised training course or 1:1 training to address a behavioural issue (only payable by Council, if it is redeemed with an approved provider).
7.5    Those on the current Good Dog Owner scheme will automatically transfer to the above Good Dog Owner discount.
Publicity Material
7.6    The Council will provide information to owners and carry out periodic publicity of dog control matters.
7.7    The Council will produce pamphlets and website information that includes maps clearly identifying dog prohibited areas and areas where dogs are required to be on a lead.  Guidance will also be provided on:
•    What dog owners can do to avoid conflicts with other people in the community, including respecting the space around other people (particularly children) when exercising dogs.
•    Locking extendable dog leads where there is a risk of tripping cyclists and pedestrians.
•    Dog training options.
7.8    The Council will also provide signage in high use areas which will include the contact details for Dog Control.
Dog Control Officers
7.9    One important education tool is the advice and assistance which Dog Control Officers can provide to dog owners and to the general public.  Dog Control Officers will be readily visible to the public through patrols aimed at assisting dog owners using the more popular public places to understand the obligations imposed on them by the Act and the Council’s Dog Control Bylaw 2013.

8    Number of Dogs

8.1    No more than two dogs can be kept on any property in the urban area without written permission from the Council.  (The extent of Nelson’s urban area is shown on the map attached to both the Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw 2013.)  Puppies up to three months old are exempt from this limit.
8.2    There will be a one-off additional charge for keeping more than two dogs on an urban property, to cover the costs of reviewing the suitability of the property for more than two dogs.  Assessment, and any conditions imposed on the dog owner, will be focused on all reasonable steps being taken to ensure that the dogs will not cause a nuisance to any person or be likely to be injurious to the health of any person.
8.3    Dog owners who have more than two dogs in February 2013 will have an “existing use right” to continue to own their existing dogs, until the end of the dogs’ lives.  Written permission will be required for ownership of any additional dogs after this date.
8.4    This approach will increase the Council’s ability to control the effects of multiple dogs without generating high administration costs.
8.5    There are no limits on the number of dogs that may be kept on a property which is not within the urban area

9    Co-operation with Other Organisations

Ministry of Agriculture
9.1    The Ministry of Agriculture now has responsibility for the control and eradication of true hydatids and sheep measles under the provisions of the Biosecurity Act 1993.
9.2    There is no requirement for people to dose their dogs for hydatids or sheep measles.  However, Council publicity material will explain the benefits of general worming of dogs and it will be up to the dog owner to talk to their vet about the best worming regime for their dog.
Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
9.3    The Council will work in conjunction with the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals where possible to promote dog welfare.
9.4    The Council will periodically review its assistance to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in respect of euthanasia of unwanted dogs or other services to ensure that this represents an appropriate benefit to the community.
Interest Groups
9.5    The Council will continue to liaise with relevant interest groups.

10    Bylaws

10.1    The Council is required to introduce a bylaw to give effect to this policy.
10.2    The approach of the Dog Control Bylaw 2013 is to ensure as far as possible that:
•    Dog owners are not penalised for owning a dog.
•    Members of the public are able to make use of the public areas within the city without intimidation or inconvenience brought about through the actions of dogs or their owners.
•    The welfare of dogs kept within the city is preserved and/or enhanced.
•    Irresponsible owners are penalised and required to carry their share of the cost of dog control.
•    Dogs do not pose threats to rare or protected wildlife.
Dog Control Bylaw 2013 Provisions
10.3    The Dog Control Bylaw 2013 makes provision for the following matters:
•    Specifying areas where dogs are prohibited.
•    Specifying areas where dogs are required to be on a lead.
•    Requiring persons controlling a dog to remove its faeces from property other than that occupied by that person.
•    Impounding of dogs.
10.4    The Council will operate a pound for the temporary confinement of any dog which is seized by a Dog Control Officer pursuant to the provisions of the Dog Control Act 1996.  This includes:
•    Wandering dogs.
•    Barking dogs causing distress.
•    Dogs attacking persons or animals.
•    Dogs rushing at persons, animals or vehicles.
•    Dogs in the vicinity of protected wildlife.
•    Unregistered dogs.
10.5    All impounded dogs will be retained in the pound for at least the required time in order to give the owners an opportunity to reclaim them.  Unless reclaimed, and all fees and charges paid, the dogs will be disposed of.
Neutering of Dogs
10.6    The Act enables the Council to neuter menacing and dangerous dogs.

SCHEDULE ONE

Dogs Prohibited Areas

Dogs are prohibited from the following areas for the reasons as set out:
1.    Nelson Airport (unless transporting dogs for air lift in or out of Nelson; or dogs securely restrained in the owner’s vehicle).  This is for safety reasons.
2.    Eastern two thirds of Tahunanui Main Beach.  This is an important beach providing seaside recreation/swimming for a large number of residents and visitors to enjoy, free from nuisance or inconvenience.  In addition the setting aside of the western end of the beach and the back beach area for dogs provides adequate opportunity for swimming, beach exercise and socialising.
3.    The playing area of any Council sports grounds.  The exception is Maitai Cricket Ground, for which the prohibition only applies from October to March each year.
Playing areas of sports fields used for active recreation – dogs are not compatible with active recreational pursuits and owners need to ensure that their dogs are kept off the marked playing fields.  However, dogs are allowed to exercise around the edges of these areas.  The exception is Maitai Cricket Ground, for which the prohibition only applies from October to March each year.
4.    Children’s playgrounds - the section of the reserve set aside for playground equipment.  One of the main areas of concern in respect of children’s interaction with dogs is that they are generally instantly attracted to animals.  This coupled with the pack instincts of adult dogs can lead to instances of biting and other injurious behaviour.  In addition, the bark surfaces of playgrounds mean that faeces left by dogs can be overlooked.
5.    Nelson City Council Water Reserves (without Council permits):
•    Maitai Valley
•    Roding
In order to preserve the integrity of the city water supply and the natural environment of the catchments, dogs are not permitted within the Maitai and Roding Water Reserves.  However, permits may be given for dogs to be used in these areas for specific feral animal control purposes.
6.    Brook Conservation Reserve.  This area is being developed as a wildlife sanctuary and dogs are not compatible with this aim.  However, permits may be given for dogs to be used in this area for specific conservation purposes.
7.    Any public building owned or controlled by the Council (except in respect of the Trafalgar Centre or Stoke Hall when a function involving dogs is being held).
8.    Trafalgar Park.
9.    Saxton Field Cricket Oval and the Athletics Track.
10.    Saxton Field Hockey and Softball Areas.
(This reason applies to 7, 8, 9 and 10):  It is not appropriate for dogs to be brought into facilities where people are undertaking recreational pursuits or leisure time activities, or engaged in business.  Any disability assist dogs or dogs used by the Police or other agencies are exempt from this prohibition.  The prohibition excludes approved dog shows at the Trafalgar Centre and Stoke Hall.
11.    Haulashore Island.  This island provides important wildlife habitats which need to be protected from predatory animals.
12.    Oyster Island.  This island provides important wildlife habitats which need to be protected from predatory animals.
13.    Haven Holes Reserve.  The area is being developed as a wading bird habitat.
14.    The following Maitai River swimming holes and the listed picnic areas:
•    The picnic area and river bank beside Black Hole - true right side of the river only. (This is the right hand side, when looking downstream.)
•    Dennes Hole and the adjacent picnic area.
•    Sunday Hole and the adjacent picnic area.
•    Maitai Camp Hole and the adjacent picnic area.
(This prohibition only applies from 1 December to 31 March each year.)  The Maitai swimming holes and adjacent picnic areas are important and highly popular recreation and swimming spots for large numbers of residents and visitors of all ages.  The high numbers of families frequenting these areas during summer months can lead to potential conflict between children and dogs.  Further, because the spaces are confined the potential approach and movement of dogs through people’s picnics can be intimidating for some members of the public.  When use is high there is also increased potential for conflict between dogs.  In addition, any dog faeces left uncollected becomes a health risk.  The nature of the river bank means that detection and clean up of faeces is more difficult and can be easily overlooked by owners.  The setting aside of the river bank and picnic area on the true right side of Black Hole, whilst retaining the option for dogs to swim in this hole by accessing it from the true left side (the side with the Maitai walkway), still provides dogs with ample exercise and swimming opportunities.  There are also picnic tables on this side of the river, allowing people to picnic with their dogs.  Dog owners are still able to park their cars on the true right hand side of the river near Black Hole and walk across the nearby bridge to access the true left side of the river.  The high levels of cyanobacteria detected immediately upstream of Dennes Hole means that this swimming hole is not suitable as a dog swimming area during summer months.
15.    Dogs are prohibited from land administered by the Department of Conservation that is not foreshore and sea bed unless the owner has specific authorisation, for example a dog control permit from the Department of Conservation; or the reserve has Department of Conservation signage identifying where a dog may be taken without a permit.  (Dogs are permitted on foreshore and sea bed administered by the Department of Conservation unless it is an area listed in this Schedule.)
16.    The beaches and estuary flat of Nelson Haven bounded by the Boulder Bank Scenic Reserve (to the west) and Boulder Bank Drive (to the east) for a distance of 500 metres along each of those boundaries.  This area provides important habitat, roosting and nesting sites for endangered wader birds and needs to be protected from dog disturbance.
17.    The Boulder Bank Scenic Reserve, from the Cut towards Boulder Bank Drive for 4 kilometres, from October to February, to protect nesting birds.
18.    Whakapuaka Raupo Swamp.  It potentially has high biodiversity values as a bird sanctuary as the wetland improves, creating habitat for rails and crakes.
19.    The fenced area of the foreshore and esplanade reserve at
Paremata Flats.  A number of bird species, including banded rail, have established following fencing and extensive pest eradication works in this area.  Permits may be given for dogs to be used in these areas for specific feral animal control purposes.
20.    Dogs are permitted to be off lead on the formed cycling and walking tracks within Marsden Valley Reserve, including Involution Trail. However, they are prohibited from being in the bush areas (off the tracks) in the part of Marsden Valley Reserve to the east of the Barnicoat Walkway. This part of Marsden Valley Reserve, which is largely native bush, is habitat for a growing weka population.  Permits may be given for dogs to access areas beyond the formed tracks for specific feral animal control purposes.
21.    Sand Island.  This site is of regional and national importance as both a breeding and roosting site for a number of birds including: Black Fronted Tern, Black-billed Gull, Pied Shag, Red-billed Gull, Caspian Tern, South Island Pied Oystercatcher, White-fronted Tern and the Variable Oyster Catcher.  In addition, Godwits roost on this island during spring tides.

SCHEDULE TWO

Dogs are Permitted but must be Kept on a Lead

1.    All public footpaths and other public areas within the Central Business District, and within the Stoke and Tahunanui shopping centres.
2.    Nelson cemeteries, both active and historic.  The active cemeteries are: Marsden Valley Cemetery, Seaview Cemetery, and Hira Cemetery.  The historic cemeteries are Wakapuaka Cemetery, the Quakers Cemetery on Wellington Walkway and the Hallowel Cemetery near Shelbourne Street.
3.    Horticultural Parks.  These are: Miyazu Japanese Gardens, Anzac Memorial Park, Church Hill, Melrose Gardens, Queens Gardens, Broadgreen Gardens and Isel Park.  The exception to the on lead requirement is the less cultivated part of Isel Park which begins at Main Road Stoke and extends to the Isel Park entrance gate, as well as the area south of the access road beyond the Isel Park entrance gate.  This exception applies when events are not being held in Isel Park.
4.    Neighbourhood Parks – excluding those listed in Schedule Three.  As at February 2013 the on-lead neighbourhood parks are: Albion Square Reserve, Aldinga Reserve, Annesbrook Youth Park, Ballard Reserve, Beatson Reserve, Bisley Reserve, Blackwood East Reserve, Bledisloe South Reserve, Bolt Reserve, Brook Park, Bruno Reserve, Burrell Park, Cattle Market Reserve, Cawthron Reserve, Centennial Park, Commodore Reserve, Covent Reserve, Devon Reserve, Enner Glynn North Reserve, Enner Glynn South Reserve, Erin Reserve, Fountain Reserve, Foster Reserve, Frenchay Reserve, Frost Reserve, Glenduan Reserve, Grove Reserve, Harford Reserve, Hockey Reserve, Manson Reserve, Manu Kau Reserve, Marybank Reserve, Miyazu Reserve, Moana Reserve, Monaco Reserve, Moncrieff Reserve, Montrose Reserve, Neale Reserve, Ngaio Reserve, Paddy’s Knob Reserve, Paru Paru Reserve, Peace Grove, Pepper Tree Park, Pioneers Park, Poets Park, Princes Lookout Reserve, Ranui Reserve, Riverside Reserve, Ronaki Reserve, Russell Reserve, Sequoia Reserve, St Lawrence Reserve, Te-Ata Reserve, Todd Bush Reserve, Tokomaru Reserve, Tresillian Reserve, Vosper Reserve, Waimea North Reserve, Waimea South Reserve, Wakapuaka Reserve, Wards Reserve, Wellington Reserve, Werneth Reserve and Wigzell Park.
5.    The sand and mudflats of Delaware Estuary.
6.    Around the playing areas of sports fields when games or training sessions are occurring.  (At other times dogs may be off lead on sports grounds other than the playing area of sports grounds.)
7.    The Maitai walkway, from the river mouth up to the Collingwood Street bridge.

SCHEDULE THREE

Neighbourhood Parks in which Dogs may be Off Lead

1.    Abraham Heights Reserve
2.    Andrews Farm Reserve
3.    Bayview Road Reserve (North)
4.    Betsy Eyre Park
5.    Bishopdale Reserve
6.    Bishop’s Park
7.    Bledisloe North Reserve
8.    Branford Park
9.    Corder Park
10.    Custom House Reserve
11.    Emano East Reserve
12.    Emano West Reserve
13.    Fairfield Park
14.    Grampian Oaks Reserve
15.    Hanby Park
16.    Hira Reserve
17.    Kowhai Reserve
18.    Murphy North Reserve
19.    Murphy South Reserve
20.    Ngapua Reserve
21.    Nikau Reserve
22.    Orchard Reserve
23.    Pipers Park
24.    Poplar Reserve
25.    Queen Elizabeth II Reserve
26.    Station Reserve
27.    Songer Reserve
28.    Tosswill Reserve
29.    Waterhouse Reserve
30.    Wolfe Reserve
31.    Woodstock Reserve

Downloads

• Download maps of dog exercise areas (overview and CBD) (594KB PDF)
• Download the Dog Control Policy (361KB PDF)
• Download the Dog Control Bylaw (307KB PDF)
• Download the decisions and reasons adopted by Council (125KB PDF)