Ashburton District Council Proposes New Dog Control Bylaw Changes

Ashburton District Council has officially opened a community consultation period to review its proposed Dog Control Bylaw and Policy. This review forms part of the council's regular legislative assessment to ensure local bylaws remain fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of the growing Mid Canterbury community. The public feedback window commenced on 15 June 2026 and is scheduled to close on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Dog owners and residents are encouraged to review the draft document and voice their opinions on several proposed alterations to canine management, leash requirements, and designated exercise areas across the district.

Introducing Leashed Dog Access to Cemeteries

A key change under the proposed bylaw is the introduction of provisions allowing dogs into cemetery grounds, provided they are kept on a leash at all times. Historically, dogs have been restricted from these spaces to maintain decorum and prevent disturbance. However, acknowledging that many residents find comfort in visiting deceased loved ones accompanied by their companion animals, the council is proposing a shift in policy. Under the new rules, dogs must be controlled on a standard leash, and owners must take full responsibility for cleaning up after their pets. This proposal aims to balance the emotional needs of pet owners with the community's expectation of respect and cleanliness within sacred memorial grounds.

Proposed Adjustments to Off-Leash Exercise Areas

The draft bylaw outlines significant adjustments to the geographic layout of dog exercise areas within the region. While some zones are proposed to be extended, others may see reductions or complete removals based on safety assessments and land-use conflicts:

• Pioneer Park (Closed Cemetery): The council proposes to remove the off-leash status from Pioneer Park. Due to its status as a historical burial ground, maintaining an active off-leash zone has raised concerns regarding the preservation of headstones and public sensitivity. Under the new draft, dogs will no longer be permitted off-leash within this park.
• Smallbone Drive Reserve: The off-leash area at Smallbone Drive Reserve is slated for a reduction in size. This adjustment is driven by the growing popularity of the disc golf course located in the reserve, which has led to increased interactions between loose dogs and park users.
• Argyle Park and Company Road: To compensate for these reductions, the council is planning to extend the off-leash zones at Argyle Park and Company Road (located within the Ashburton Business Estate), providing larger dedicated spaces for dogs to run and socialise safely.
• New Exercise Areas: The council is actively seeking community feedback on potential new designated dog exercise areas in outlying townships and residential developments, including Methven, Lake Hood, and Braebrook.

Clarifying the Definition of Effective Control

In addition to physical boundary changes, the draft policy updates the definition of "effective control" for dogs in public places. Under the Dog Control Act 1996, owners are legally obligated to keep their dogs under control at all times. The proposed bylaw provides clearer guidelines on what constitutes control, particularly in designated off-leash areas. Effective control means the dog must respond immediately to voice commands or hand signals, remain within the owner's sight, and not cause distress or nuisance to other people, domestic pets, or native wildlife. This clarification is designed to assist animal control officers in education and enforcement efforts, ensuring that public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.

Next Steps and Submitting Feedback

The outcomes of this consultation will shape the final framework of the Dog Control Bylaw and Policy for years to come. Following the close of submissions on 15 July 2026, Ashburton District Council will hold public hearings and deliberations on 18 and 19 August 2026, where residents who chose to speak to their submissions can present their views to councillors. The final adoption of the updated bylaws is projected for 23 September 2026.

To participate in the consultation, residents can access submission forms online through the official Ashburton District Council engagement portal at itsourplace.nz. Staying informed about local council regulations is a vital part of responsible pet ownership. For dog owners looking to navigate the complexities of municipal registrations and local bylaws across different parts of the country, our comprehensive Dog Registration NZ Council Checklist offers a detailed breakdown of regional rules. Additionally, ensuring your dog is properly identified is a legal requirement; you can learn more about national compliance standards in our guide to Dog Microchipping and Registration in NZ.

Sources

• https://itsourplace.nz/animals/animals
• https://wellington.govt.nz/dogs-and-other-animals/dogs
• https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/dogs-animals/register-your-dog/renew-registration-for-dog.html