Locals are being invited to share their views on how dogs are managed across the district, as part of a review of the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Dog Control Bylaw 2020 and Dog Control Policy 2020.

All councils in New Zealand must regularly review their dog control bylaws, and QLDC’s current bylaw, adopted in June 2020, is due for review. 

QLDC is also reviewing its Dog Control Policy to take a complete look at dog ownership and management across the district.

The policy outlines how dogs are managed in the district to promote responsible ownership, ensure dogs are well cared for, and minimise risks to people and other animals. 

The bylaw sets out where dogs are allowed, how they must be controlled, limits ownership to two dogs per property unless licensed, requires owners to clean up after their dogs, and mandates that female dogs are confined while in season.

People can fill out a survey to give feedback on how the current policies are working.

The survey asks a range of questions, including whether or not people agree with dogs being on leash on public footpaths and other places (such as cemeteries, playgrounds, skateparks); and whether or not they agree with dogs being off leash in most reserves across the district (including council parks, domains, recreational areas, and open spaces). 

Should dogs be off leash in reserves across the district?

The survey also asks how people feel about dogs being off-leash on walking and cycling trails, and whether or not it may be appropriate to introduce on-leash rules in sensitive environments such as wetlands and reserves with native plants and wildlife. 

“By reviewing our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, we’re making sure these rules still make sense for our district today, and into the future,” QLDC says.

Dog ownership in New Zealand is guided by the Dog Control Act, which promotes responsible dog ownership and keeping communities safe. The act requires every council to have a Dog Control Policy and they may also have a Dog Control Bylaw to support how the policy is implemented.

QLDC will undertake a formal consultation process on the bylaw in 2026.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App