Dogs

The Waimakariri District currently has approximately 12,000 registered dogs, with 8,000 owners.

Dog exercise areas

You can exercise your dog off the leash in dog exercise areas as long as you keep the dog under continuous supervision and control.

Don't forget to take something with you to remove your doggy doo - a plastic supermarket bag is ideal. This should be disposed of in bins. Failing to do so may result in a fine.

Responsible dog ownership

The Dog Control Act 1996 requires the owner of any dog to keep the dog under control at all times. Through responsible dog ownership we not only improve public safety, but we keep the costs of providing the dog control service at current levels.

For further information contact the Animal Control Officers at the Council's Rangiora office - phone 0800 965 468.

Dog infringement offences and fines

If you have received an infringement notice this will be because you have breached a provision of the Dog Control Act 1996 or a bylaw made under that Act. Schedule 1 of the Dog Control Act 1996 sets out the offences and infringement fees. For many of these offences the court can impose a higher maximum penalty if the breach is dealt with by a court hearing.

Payments

You can post or deliver your payment to Animal Control. Refer to your infringement notice for details on when you must pay, or if you wish to dispute the notice.

Disputing a fine

If you wish to object to any part of the infringement notice or fee, you should write to Animal Control. Make sure you sign any letter personally.