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Dog Ownership

We are dog lovers in the Clutha District, but owning a dog can be a big responsibility. It is important to understand and respect the rules, in order to be a responsible dog owner.

Part 3 of Council's Regulatory Bylaw 2022 sets the regulations for dog control in the Clutha District.

All dogs (working and non-working) must be registered with the Council before they are 3 months old.

Dog on path in front of gate

Dog Owner Responsibilities

As a dog owner, you have a number of legal and moral responsibilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet and your community.

All dog owners should ensure that their dogs:

  • are registered and microchipped
  • receive proper care, attention, nutrition and shelter
  • are getting enough exercise
  • are kept under control at all times - this means ensuring the dog obeys your commands and is either on a leash or under voice control in areas where it is allowed to run free
  • don't cause a nuisance to neighbours or other residents
  • do not leave a mess (it is the dog owner's responsibility to clean up after their dog if it fouls in a public place)
  • do not injure or distress any livestock, people or property

It is always best to keep your dog on a leash in areas where small children, livestock, poultry or protected wildlife are present. There are a number of dog exercise areas where you can exercise your dog off a leash.

Adequate fencing of a property is essential if a dog is contemplated as a pet, as is time to devote to the welfare and exercise of your dog. A fully fenced property also helps to ensure that your dog doesn't start roaming and become a nuisance to your neighbours.

Thinking of Getting a Puppy?

You've seen a puppy to give away on TradeMe, or your friend's dog has had pups. They are adorable and you want one. Before you commit to getting a dog, ask yourself the following questions - and be honest with the answers.

  • Can you afford a dog? The puppy might be free to a good home, but then you have the costs of vaccination, micro chipping and registration in addition to feeding costs. If your dog has an accident or gets sick, can you afford the vet bills?
  • Do I have time for a dog? If you are working full time, your dog will be alone all day. Is it going to start barking because it is lonely? Are you prepared to get up an hour earlier to take your dog for a walk or spent the time needed to socialise it and teach it basic good manners?
  • Is my property suitable for a dog? Is it fenced or will your dog wander and cause a nuisance? If you are renting, are you allowed to have a dog and if you have to leave your current rental, will you be able to find somewhere that allows dogs?
  • Where will I be in two years? Or five years? Remember dogs live to around 15 years, meaning you are making a 15- year commitment to care for that dog. If you will soon be leaving school and starting work or going to university, what will happen to your dog? Too often parents are left to care for animals their children can no longer care for or have lost interest in. Will your parents be prepared to take over your responsibility?

Please take the time to consider whether it's the right time for you to take on a dog. Too often councils are left to deal with complaints about barking and wandering dogs that have been bought or taken on by their owners on impulse, only to become a nuisance six months down the track. If you have the slightest doubt, please, please don't get that cute puppy. It's not fair on the dog and it's not fair on your neighbours and c ouncil staff who have to deal with the resulting problem behaviour.

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