Dog and Animal Laws
Animal Control has the function of administering the Dog Control Act 1996 and Chapter 4 - Dog Control of the Marlborough District Council (MDC) Bylaw 2010.
This primarily involves dealing with complaints about dog nuisances and attacks and ensuring that all dogs are correctly registered. There is also a strong education focus.
Currently Marlborough has approximately 10,000 registered dogs, the majority of which are non-working dogs. Background information regarding dog control policy and practices in Marlborough can be obtained from the Section 10A Report.
Dog and Animal Policies and Bylaws
Section 10A Report 2009/10 (86 Kb)
Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Review
Statement of Proposal for Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Review (741 Kb)
Council is reviewing its Dog Control Policy and Bylaws and is seeking your views.
Major Changes Proposed
The dog control areas (Dog Prohibited Areas, Dog On-Leash Areas and Dog Exercise Areas) have all been reviewed and major changes are being proposed. In particular:
- Dogs will not be permitted in the central business districts of Blenheim and Picton
- Dogs will not be permitted on the Wither Hills Farm Park
Licence requirements for owners who keep more than two dogs are also proposed to be changed.
Submission Process
Anyone can make a submission about the draft Dog Control Policy and amendments to the Dog Control Bylaws and we encourage you to tell us your views.
To make a submission, simply write us a letter telling us what you agree with, what you do not agree with and why. Send your submission to Marlborough District Council, P O Box 443, Blenheim 7240 or email it to mdc@marlborough.govt.nz
Please include your contact details (name, phone, email and postal addresses) and tell us if you want to speak to the Animal Control Sub-Committee of Council at a hearing to be held in 2012. (You do not have to speak at or come to the hearing for your submission to be considered). If you make a submission, we will let you know of the hearing place, date, and time.
Submissions close on 17 February 2012
All submissions, including your contact details, will be made available to the public and media unless you specifically request that your contact details are kept private.
For further information, phone us on 520 7400 or email us at mdc@marlborough.govt.nz.