March 27, 2026
The Government’s plan to review dog control laws won’t stop Ashburton's council from updating its local policy.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts has ordered a comprehensive review of the Dog Control Act after criticism that the current law wasn't tough enough.
It followed a spate of dog attacks, including the death of a woman in Northland earlier this year.
In a letter to all councils, Watts said the Act was no longer fit for purpose and needed significant change.
The Government has not revealed a timeline for change, but encouraged councils to continue using the powers available under the Act.
However, Watts said he was aware that non-compliant owners posed a challenge for many councils.
Ashburton and Selwyn councils highlighted this last month, saying the issues is the owners not the dogs.
Ashburton District Council is already in the process of reviewing its Dog Control Bylaw and Policy.
Council’s compliance and development group manager Ian Hyde said they are required to review the bylaw by the due date, under the Local Government Act.
“Otherwise, it's revoked within two years of that date, and we have to make a new bylaw.
“The Government has not announced a timeline for their review of the Act, but we don't expect it before the election, which means it would not be enacted until well into next year - assuming it remains a priority for the incoming government.”
Watts suggested councils specify in their dog control policy that menacing dogs must be neutered, recommending they “consider taking this step at your next policy review”.
The minister advised councils that “determining if your dog bylaw is still fit-for-purpose could be a valuable exercise”.
Hyde said continuing the Ashburton review falls in line with this advice.
It would provide an opportunity to check with the community on their concerns and see if any changes are required, he said.
“It may also provide useful feedback for when the Government seeks our input into the review of the Dog Control Act.
Hyde said Ashburton’s dog control policy already requires all menacing dogs to be neutered, as per the Minister's recommendation.
Selwyn District Council reviewed its bylaw in 2024 - introducing mandatory on-leash rules for dogs on footpaths, shared paths, and in specific green spaces.
It means the bylaw was not required to be reviewed again until 2034, but with increasing dog numbers, rising with its rapid population increase, there would likely be a review sooner.
Building, planning and regulatory services executive director, Robert Love, said if there are changes to the national legislation, the council may need to review the current bylaw and policy.
“We work hard to make sure our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy are up to date to meet changes in legislation and in our community to keep Selwyn a great place to live.
“Selwyn has a high rate of dog ownership and people here love their dogs; and we will consider carefully what the best way to support our residents is.”
Selwyn's bylaw already includes that menacing dogs are to be neutered.
By Jonathan Leask
The Government’s plan to review dog control laws won’t stop Ashburton's council from updating its local policy.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts has ordered a comprehensive review of the Dog Control Act after criticism that the current law wasn't tough enough.
It followed a spate of dog attacks, including the death of a woman in Northland earlier this year.
In a letter to all councils, Watts said the Act was no longer fit for purpose and needed significant change.
The Government has not revealed a timeline for change, but encouraged councils to continue using the powers available under the Act.
However, Watts said he was aware that non-compliant owners posed a challenge for many councils.
Ashburton and Selwyn councils highlighted this last month, saying the issues is the owners not the dogs.
Ashburton District Council is already in the process of reviewing its Dog Control Bylaw and Policy.
Council’s compliance and development group manager Ian Hyde said they are required to review the bylaw by the due date, under the Local Government Act.
“Otherwise, it's revoked within two years of that date, and we have to make a new bylaw.
“The Government has not announced a timeline for their review of the Act, but we don't expect it before the election, which means it would not be enacted until well into next year - assuming it remains a priority for the incoming government.”
Watts suggested councils specify in their dog control policy that menacing dogs must be neutered, recommending they “consider taking this step at your next policy review”.
The minister advised councils that “determining if your dog bylaw is still fit-for-purpose could be a valuable exercise”.
Hyde said continuing the Ashburton review falls in line with this advice.
It would provide an opportunity to check with the community on their concerns and see if any changes are required, he said.
“It may also provide useful feedback for when the Government seeks our input into the review of the Dog Control Act.
Hyde said Ashburton’s dog control policy already requires all menacing dogs to be neutered, as per the Minister's recommendation.
Selwyn District Council reviewed its bylaw in 2024 - introducing mandatory on-leash rules for dogs on footpaths, shared paths, and in specific green spaces.
It means the bylaw was not required to be reviewed again until 2034, but with increasing dog numbers, rising with its rapid population increase, there would likely be a review sooner.
Building, planning and regulatory services executive director, Robert Love, said if there are changes to the national legislation, the council may need to review the current bylaw and policy.
“We work hard to make sure our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy are up to date to meet changes in legislation and in our community to keep Selwyn a great place to live.
“Selwyn has a high rate of dog ownership and people here love their dogs; and we will consider carefully what the best way to support our residents is.”
Selwyn's bylaw already includes that menacing dogs are to be neutered.
By Jonathan Leask
