New proposal expands bylaw’s two-dog limit
A previous version of the Far North District Council’s dog bylaw sparked heated discussions, like this one at a Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board meeting. The Far North District Council’s latest attempt to produce a new dog control bylaw, which includes a significant expansion of its predecessors’ two-dog limit per property rule, will go to public consultation later this month.
The current bylaw, adopted in 2006, sets a two-dog limit in urban areas of Ahipara, Doubtless Bay, Kaikohe, Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Kerikeri-Waipapa, Moerewa, Okiato, OpononiOmapere, Paihia-Opua, Rawene and Russell-Tapeka.
The new version adds Awanui, Haruru Falls, Hihi, Horeke, Houhora, Kaeo, Kaimaumau, Kohukohu, Manawaora, Matauri Bay, Mitimiti, Ngawha, Waipapakauri Ramp, Ohaeawai, Okaihau, Opito Bay, Orongo, Parekura Bay, Pukenui, Rangiputa, Rangitane, Taronui, Taupo Bay, Tauranga Bay, Te Hapua, Te Haumi, Te Ngaere, Tokerau Beach, Totara North, Waimamaku, Whangaroa and Whatuwhiwhi.
Meanwhile, mayor John Carter is urging dog owners and conservationists to study the proposed new bylaw before making submissions.
A series of workshops with community representatives, council staff and elected members, which were completed in May, had helped inform a raft of changes to the proposed bylaw, he said, to address public concerns about where and when dogs could be exercised, and enhance rules designed to protect wildlife and sites of cultural importance. “All councillors agreed on the importance of gaining fresh public feedback,” Mr Carter said.
“While this is not a total rewrite of the 2016 proposal, this version does address key concerns raised by submitters. It also better reflects the council’s obligations under the Dog Control Act,” he added.
Comprehensive, easy-tounderstand explanations of the new proposal would be distributed before the consultation period began on July 30, and he urged all residents, whether they are dog-owners or not, to carefully consider that information before making a submission.
Submissions will close on September 24.