Policy on Dogs

Focus of the policy

The Dog Control Act 1996 requires councils to have a policy on dogs, and a dog bylaw to put the policy into effect.

The policy focuses on:

• registration and classification: promote dog registration across all of Auckland
• responsible dog ownership: educate and inform dog owners how to take care of their dogs
• dog access principles: provide a balanced approach to dog access in council controlled public places
• monitoring measures of success: annual report to the Governing Body (through a public agenda report) and to the national government as required by the Dog Control Act 1996.

The policy at a glance

Where you can walk your dogs at beaches, parks and reserves

• Always follow the rules on where you can walk your dog even if the information on park signs does not match.
• Refer to the bylaw rules on this page.
• Call us on 09 301 0101 if you need help.

When dogs are allowed at beaches, parks and reserves

• We changed the existing bylaw on 1 November 2019 to prohibit dogs from entering some beaches, parks and reserves from 10am to 5pm, from 1 December to 1 March.

• The bylaw sets a consistent rule across the Auckland region.

On and off-leash beaches, parks and reserves

• Over 2500 beaches, parks and reserves are listed as off-leash areas (for all dogs except dangerous dogs). There is a similar number of places that are on-leash areas. Dog owners always need to have their dog “under control”.
• Dog owners need to check the area relevant to them. We expect dog owners to know the rules and be aware of the rules for the areas where they walk their dogs.
• In the hot summer weather, there are a lot more people out and about. This makes it more important for dog owners to be aware of the rules, so everyone can enjoy our outdoor spaces.

What to do if your dog attacks someone else’s dog or a person

• Seek immediate medical attention for the dog, animal or person who has been attacked and report the incident to us.
• An animal management officer will attend and investigate all allegations of attacks on animals or people. If you are able to supply the dog owner's details, this will help the animal management officer.

Get a copy of the policy

Animal Management Annual Reports