How do we let the dogs out?

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We’re reviewing the QLDC Dog Control Bylaw 2020 and Dog Control Policy 2020 to make sure they both continue to work well for our community, our environment, and our four-legged friends.

All councils in Aotearoa New Zealand must regularly review their dog control bylaws. QLDC’s current bylaw, adopted in June 2020, is now due for review. We are reviewing the Dog Control Policy in parallel to ensure we take a complete look at dog ownership and management across the district.


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.

We are now in the early engagement phase of this process – this is where we hear ideas from you to help us shape a draft bylaw. This will be followed by a formal consultation process in 2026.

We’re reviewing the QLDC Dog Control Bylaw 2020 and Dog Control Policy 2020 to make sure they both continue to work well for our community, our environment, and our four-legged friends.

All councils in Aotearoa New Zealand must regularly review their dog control bylaws. QLDC’s current bylaw, adopted in June 2020, is now due for review. We are reviewing the Dog Control Policy in parallel to ensure we take a complete look at dog ownership and management across the district.


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.

We are now in the early engagement phase of this process – this is where we hear ideas from you to help us shape a draft bylaw. This will be followed by a formal consultation process in 2026.

  • How do we let the dogs out? Dog Control bylaw pre-engagement survey

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Page last updated: 06 Nov 2025, 01:23 PM