Submission on Draft Dog Control Bylaw and Policy 2024

To the Christchurch City Council,

I am submitting feedback on the Draft Dog Control Bylaw and Policy 2024. While I appreciate the Council’s efforts to review and improve dog control regulations, I have several concerns that I believe need further consideration.

Concerns Regarding Proposed Changes:

Leash Length and Dog Welfare

The 1.5m leash restriction, while not new, and its expansion to more areas remains concerning. As outlined by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand (APDTNZ), leashes of this length restrict natural behaviours and can cause stress, frustration and behavioural issues like leash pulling, barking and aggression. I recommend that the definition of “short leashes” be adjusted to reflect the negative impacts of this restriction on dog welfare. Longer leashes (3m or more) or long lines offer more space for dogs to engage in natural behaviours, explore and interact with their environment, which is vital for their physical and mental health.

Increased Leash Laws on Shared Paths and Tracks

I understand the intent to enhance public safety, but blanket leash requirements on shared paths and tracks are overly restrictive. Off-leash areas, where dogs are under effective control, are important for their well-being and mental stimulation. A more balanced approach, promoting responsible off-leash control, would better serve both dogs and the public.

Impact of Regulations on the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor

The proposed restrictions in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, which limit dog access to mowed grass areas, will unnecessarily restrict responsible dog exercise and cramp those abiding by the rules into essentially a third of the space they can currently use. There has been no clear evidence provided by the Council that dogs are harming wildlife in this area. I suggest a more flexible approach that allows owners to exercise their dogs without negatively impacting the environment, such as the “speed yields to vulnerability” (in conjunction with the definition of effective control) which was suggested by many.

Lack of Consultation with Experts

I strongly urge the Council to consider the letter from the APDTNZ (found here: https://www.apdtnz.org.nz/CCC-letter-references) and consult with dog welfare experts like the APDTNZ and Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) before finalising these changes. Their expertise in dog welfare and training is crucial to ensuring the regulations are both effective and in the best interests of dogs and the public.

Additional Concerns:

Lifetime Tag Issues

While lifetime dog tags are intended to be a long-term solution, they present several practical issues. They can be uncomfortable for small dogs, can get caught and do not hold up over time. I recommend returning to the old plastic strip tags, which were more durable, cost-effective, and practical and also don’t need to be replaced yearly.

Conclusion

I encourage the Christchurch City Council to take a more balanced approach to dog control, considering both dog welfare and the needs of responsible owners. Specifically, I recommend:

  • Reassessing leash length requirements to balance safety and welfare.

  • Maintaining off-leash areas for responsible dog exercise.

  • Focusing on education and enforcement of existing regulations.

  • Consulting with dog welfare experts to ensure the policy is informed by best practices.

  • Re-evaluating lifetime dog tags to find more practical alternatives.

Thank you for considering my feedback. I look forward to seeing a more flexible, thoughtful approach to dog control in our community.