How do we let the dogs out?

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Our dogs are an important part of our community.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is reviewing its Dog Control Bylaw 2020 and Dog Control Policy 2020 to make sure they continue to work well for our community, our environment and our four-legged friends.

All councils in Aotearoa New Zealand are required to regularly review their dog control bylaws. QLDC’s current bylaw, adopted in June 2020, is now due for review. We’re also reviewing the Dog Control Policy at the same time so we can take a complete look at how dogs are managed across the district.

We want to hear what’s your thoughts on the draft Dog Control Policy 2027, Te Kaupapahere Whakahaere Kurī 2027 (the Policy) and draftDog Control Bylaw 2027, Te Ture ā-rohe Whakahaere Kurī 2027 (the Bylaw).Your feedback will inform changes to help Council make its final decisions.

Check out the map that shows dog access rules across the district, and the proposed changes.

Feedback through the review generally indicated that the current Policy and Bylaw are working well to promote responsible dog ownership and keep communities safe. The draft Bylaw and Policy largely maintain the current settings while making targeted changes. The key proposals include:

  • New on-leash requirements for busy urban reserves;
  • New on-leash requirements on busy recreational tracks;
  • New leash rules for sports and play areas;
  • Clearer requirements for what is meant by ‘effective control’;
  • New dog control rules in areas with protected wildlife; and,
  • Amended provisions for temporary changes to dog access rules.

Formal consultation is open from 12 October to 9 November 2026. Have your say by completing the survey below.

What do the current QLDC Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw do?

Dog ownership in New Zealand is guided by the Dog Control Act 1996, which promotes responsible dog ownership and keeping our communities safe. Under the Act, every council must have a Dog Control Policy and may also have a Dog Control Bylaw to support how the policy is implemented.

QLDC’s Dog Control Policy 2020 outlines how dogs are managed in our district to promote responsible ownership, ensure dogs are well cared for, and minimise risks to people and other animals. It covers both national requirements (such as registering your dog) and local rules that reflect the unique needs of the Queenstown Lakes District.

These local rules are enforced through the Dog Control Bylaw 2020, which sets out where dogs are allowed, how they must be controlled, limits ownership to two dogs per property unless licensed, requires owners to clean up after their dogs, and mandates that female dogs are confined while in season.

By reviewing our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, we’re making sure these rules still make sense for our district today, and into the future.

Have your say

How to make a submission:

  • Council wants to hear your views before making a final decision.

  • Make a submission by completing the online form below, or

  • Via email to letstalk@qldc.govt.nz - subject line 'Dog Control Bylaw'

  • By post to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50071, Queenstown, 9348, Freepost 191078

  • Drop it into your closest Council office.

Our dogs are an important part of our community.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is reviewing its Dog Control Bylaw 2020 and Dog Control Policy 2020 to make sure they continue to work well for our community, our environment and our four-legged friends.

All councils in Aotearoa New Zealand are required to regularly review their dog control bylaws. QLDC’s current bylaw, adopted in June 2020, is now due for review. We’re also reviewing the Dog Control Policy at the same time so we can take a complete look at how dogs are managed across the district.

We want to hear what’s your thoughts on the draft Dog Control Policy 2027, Te Kaupapahere Whakahaere Kurī 2027 (the Policy) and draftDog Control Bylaw 2027, Te Ture ā-rohe Whakahaere Kurī 2027 (the Bylaw).Your feedback will inform changes to help Council make its final decisions.

Check out the map that shows dog access rules across the district, and the proposed changes.

Feedback through the review generally indicated that the current Policy and Bylaw are working well to promote responsible dog ownership and keep communities safe. The draft Bylaw and Policy largely maintain the current settings while making targeted changes. The key proposals include:

  • New on-leash requirements for busy urban reserves;
  • New on-leash requirements on busy recreational tracks;
  • New leash rules for sports and play areas;
  • Clearer requirements for what is meant by ‘effective control’;
  • New dog control rules in areas with protected wildlife; and,
  • Amended provisions for temporary changes to dog access rules.

Formal consultation is open from 12 October to 9 November 2026. Have your say by completing the survey below.

What do the current QLDC Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw do?

Dog ownership in New Zealand is guided by the Dog Control Act 1996, which promotes responsible dog ownership and keeping our communities safe. Under the Act, every council must have a Dog Control Policy and may also have a Dog Control Bylaw to support how the policy is implemented.

QLDC’s Dog Control Policy 2020 outlines how dogs are managed in our district to promote responsible ownership, ensure dogs are well cared for, and minimise risks to people and other animals. It covers both national requirements (such as registering your dog) and local rules that reflect the unique needs of the Queenstown Lakes District.

These local rules are enforced through the Dog Control Bylaw 2020, which sets out where dogs are allowed, how they must be controlled, limits ownership to two dogs per property unless licensed, requires owners to clean up after their dogs, and mandates that female dogs are confined while in season.

By reviewing our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, we’re making sure these rules still make sense for our district today, and into the future.

Have your say

How to make a submission:

  • Council wants to hear your views before making a final decision.

  • Make a submission by completing the online form below, or

  • Via email to letstalk@qldc.govt.nz - subject line 'Dog Control Bylaw'

  • By post to Queenstown Lakes District Council, Private Bag 50071, Queenstown, 9348, Freepost 191078

  • Drop it into your closest Council office.

  • How do we let the dogs out? Dog Control bylaw formal consultation survey

    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 12 Oct 2026, 09:53 AM