Dogs

Dog Control Policy

Click here to view the Dog Control Policy

Dog Control Areas

Maps specifying prohibited, leashed, unleashed and exercise dog areas in the Ruapehu District can be found in the above Dog Control Policy.

Prohibited Areas

Council designates areas in public spaces as prohibited to dogs. These decisions will be made by resolution and will be publicly notified.

No person shall allow a dog to enter or remain in a Dog Prohibited Area.

Prohibitions do not apply to working dogs whilst they are working if those dogs are not normally leashed in the course of their specific work.

Leashed Areas

Council designates areas in public spaces where dog(s) are required to be on a leash at all times. These decisions will be made by resolution and will be publicly notified (see also 24.2).

Every person in charge of a dog within a restricted speed zone (i.e. 50km, 70km or 80km) across the Ruapehu District must have their dog on a leash at all times (excluding the township of Ohura) and carry the means to remove dog droppings.

Dogs are required to be on a leash in all public cemeteries in Ruapehu District.

Prohibitions do not apply to working dogs whilst they are working if those dogs are not normally leashed in the course of their specific work.

Exercise Areas

Council designates areas in public spaces where dog(s) are not required to be on a leash. These decisions are made by resolution and will be publicly notified (see also 24.2).

The permission for a dog to be unleashed in these areas does not apply to dogs classified as 'dangerous'. Dangerous dogs must remain on a leash and muzzled at all times.

The following controls are considered appropriate in a dog exercise area:

(a) Voice Control.

A dog must respond immediately to the voice control of the owner or person in charge of the dog. A dog running loose that will not respond to the voice commands of its owner or the person in charge is not considered to be under control.

(b) Sightlines.

A dog must be within sight of the owner or person in charge of the dog. This means that the dog must be able to be seen by and be under the control of the owner or person in charge at all times.

A dog owner or person in charge of dog(s) must carry one leash per dog at all times.

Signage in Exercise Areas

Ruapehu District Council provides signage for dog exercise areas that:

(a) Clarifies the area,

(b) Outlines any time provisions, and

Health and Safety Risk

A person who provokes a dog to the point where it becomes unmanageable or incites the dog to fight with, or attack any other animal or person commits an offence against the Ruapehu Bylaw.

Fouling in Public Places and Land

Owners or persons in charge of dogs entering public areas or private land not belonging to them must remove their dog's droppings immediately.

Owners or persons in charge of dogs in public areas must carry the means to immediately collect and remove droppings.

Keeping of More than Two Dogs

No person or household shall keep more than two dogs older than three months without a permit from Council except in areas zoned Rural in the District Plan.

Female Dogs in Season

Female dogs in season must be contained in such a manner that makes them inaccessible to roaming dogs.

Diseased Dogs

No person shall let any dog suffer as a result of mange or any other disease.

A dog kennel must not be located within one metre of any boundary of the premises.

How Registration Fees benefit our community

In the Ruapehu District, dog registration fees help to pay for most of our animal service activities, including:

Dog shelter facilities for the care, welfare and return of lost and stray dogs.
Investigation, monitoring and resolution of dog issues including nuisance, aggressive and dangerous dogs.
Patrols of public places to protect public, ensure safety and apply enforcement.
Friendly and professional advice on being a responsible owner.