The requirement for dogs to be under effective control at all times in public places helps to make sure that any potential problems can be avoided or minimised.

Our current bylaw states that "a dog needs to be responsive to it's owner's commands and is not creating any sort of nuisance to people, domestic animals or any other wildlife. Nuisance in this sense means things such as barking, rushing, attacking, or otherwise causing injury, damage, harm or distress."

We're proposing to update the definition of what it means to be under effective control to state that a dog owner or person in charge of the dog must:

• be actively paying attention to the dog and what it is doing
• be close enough to quickly respond to any issues
• ensure that the dog remains responsive to commands, with prompt recall and
• ensure that the dog doesn't create a nuisance to other people, stock, poultry, domestic animal or protected wildlife.

1. Make the changes as proposed. This is our preferred option.
   
2. Make other changes. We looked at adding further criteria to what it means to have a dog under ‘effective control’, such as introducing a maximum leash length. However, we think that further improvements can be achieved through education, rather than more rules. Council will also consider any additional ideas provided through public feedback. Depending on changes made (if any), further consultation may be required.
   
3. Make no changes to the existing bylaw and policy. This is not our preferred option as we would miss the opportunity to improve the control of dogs in public places.

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is currently designated as an off-leash exercise area, however as it’s a former cemetery, this is inconsistent with our current rules which prohibit dogs from cemeteries (we’re thinking about changing this, see key change 5).

We’re proposing treat Pioneer Park that same as our other cemeteries and remove it from our list of exercise areas. This would mean that either dogs are prohibited from Pioneer Park (if we stick with our current policy) or allowed into the park on a leash (if our proposed changes to dogs in cemeteries is adopted).

Smallbone Drive Reserve

We're also proposing to reduce the designated exercise area at Smallbone Drive Reserve, leaving only the area east of Smallbone Drive as off-leash. This is due to the development of a disc golf course since the last review.

1. Make the changes as proposed. This is our preferred option.
2. Make other changes. Council may decide it’s appropriate to approve one proposal but not the other. Council will also consider any additional ideas from public feedback. Depending on changes made (if any), further consultation may be required.
3. Make no changes to the existing bylaw and policy. This is not our preferred option as its inconsistent with our other rules (in terms of Pioneer Park) and does not reduce the potential for issues or nuisance.

We are proposing to extend some of the areas where dogs can be exercised off-leash.

Argyle Park

The current arrangements at Argyle Park are confusing for users, so we’re proposing to extend the off-leash area to include the entire walking path around the park. Dogs would still be prohibited from the sports fields and within one metre of the playgrounds, and need to be on a leash within the car parks.

While not our preferred option, we could also consider changing the entire pathway to on-leash, essentially meaning that Argyle Park will be removed as an off-leash area.

Company Road

We’re also looking to extend the current exercise area located off Company Road behind Ashburton Business Estate. The proposed expansion would include the entire pathway, connecting to Ashford Ave and JB Cullen Drive at the Northpark Road end. (See Map 8).

1. Make the changes as proposed. This is our preferred option.
2. Remove Argyle Park as an off-leash area. Argyle Park could be removed as a designated off-leash area. Dogs would still be allowed on the paths around the park, provided they are on a leash.
3. Make other changes. Council will also consider any additional ideas provided through public feedback. Depending on changes made (if any), further consultation may be required.
4. Make no changes to the existing bylaw and policy. This is not our preferred option as we think the current areas are confusing and we had feedback supporting extension of the areas.

We are proposing to include some more off-leash areas in the district. The following have been proposed because they are either popular places to walk dogs, or we think they are appropriate:

• Lake Hood - between Lake Hood Drive and the jumping platform
• Braebrook - swale off Braebrook Drive
• Methven Walkway - between Barkers Road and State Highway 77

1. Make the changes as proposed. This is our preferred option.
2. Make other changes. Some areas may be considered more appropriate than others, so not all proposed off-leash areas may be approved. Council will also consider any additional ideas provided through public feedback. Depending on changes made (if any), further consultation may be required.
3. Make no changes to the existing bylaw and policy. This is not our preferred option as we have identified appropriate areas that could provide more exercise opportunities for dogs.
   

There are a number of areas in the Ashburton District where dogs are currently prohibited. These include:

• All boat ramps and slipways
• All cemeteries
• All playing surfaces of public sports grounds
• Within one metre of any playground or playground equipment
• In any public Council owned building
• Ashton Beach
• Lake Camp reserve area
• Lake Clearwater hut area
• Lake Clearwater, Lake Heron & Māori Lakes shores

We’re proposing to remove cemeteries from our list of prohibited areas and extend the prohibited area at Ashton Beach. We believe that dogs should remain banned in the other areas listed to the side.

Our Cemeteries Bylaw currently states that all animals are prohibited from cemeteries within Ashburton District (except for disability assist dogs). Therefore, alongside the proposal to change the Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, we would also need to amend our Cemeteries Bylaw to allow dogs in cemeteries (provided they stay on a leash).

1. Make the changes as proposed. This is our preferred option. Under this option, the Cemeteries Bylaw will also be amended to reflect this change.
2. Make other changes. The proposal could be adopted with some changes, e.g. requirements could be included such as dogs only to be on paths and not near headstones, or dogs could be prohibited from certain areas of cemeteries (such as the Muslim burial area). Council will also consider any other ideas provided through public feedback. Depending on changes made (if any), further consultation may be required.
3. Make no changes to the existing bylaw and policy. Dogs will continue to be prohibited from cemeteries, and no change will be made to the Cemeteries Bylaw.