The Dog Control Act places responsibility on dog owners to look after and control their dog. This means ensuring that their dog receives proper care and attention and is supplied with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter at all times. The dog must also receive adequate exercise.

Dogs must be controlled on private property within physical limits (fencing, kennels, indoors), or by command and on a lead in all public areas. Dogs that are roaming or off leash can:

• intimidate and harm people and animals.
• create health and hygiene problems by fouling in public and scattering rubbish.
• cause traffic hazards.

Council's Animal Control team can help you to be aware of your responsibilities as a dog owner and to understand problem behaviour in dogs.

If you want advice on any part of dog ownership call us on 687 7200 or the SPCA (South Canterbury) on 688 2234.

Obligations of Dog Owners

Owning a dog is a big responsibility. Any person in charge of a dog for more than 72 hours is deemed to be responsible for the dog.

Dog owners are obligated to:

• register their dog(s)
• advise territorial authorities promptly of any change of address/ownership or if your dog dies.
• keep their dog(s) under control at all times, even when walked by children.
• treat their dog(s) with proper care and attention
• provide sufficient food, water and shelter for their dog(s).
• provide adequate exercise for their dog(s).
• take all reasonable steps to ensure that the dog does not cause a nuisance to any other person (e.g. through persistent and/or loud barking/howling, or by any other means).
• take all reasonable steps to ensure that the dog does not injure, endanger, or cause distress to any person, stock, poultry, domestic animal or protected wildlife or damage or endanger property belonging to any other person.
• remove dog droppings from public areas should these be fouled by your dogs(s)
• comply with the requirements of the Dog Control Act 1996 and of all regulations and bylaws made under this Act.

Exercising your dog

There are a number of areas within the Timaru district where you can exercise your dog off a leash, within a safe and controlled environment. Remember when exercising your dog in parks or beaches to be especially vigilant of our wildlife. Please keep your dog from disturbing or endangering any other animals.

For detailed information on where you can exercise your dog, follow the link below.

Dog Exercise Areas

De-sexing your dog

De-sexing means your dog will not sire or have unwanted litters, and female dogs will not attract aggressive male dogs.

De-sexed pets generally have improved longevity, are healthier and have a lowered risk of disease. They are also less likely to wander, fight and get lost or injured. Other benefits can include reduced antisocial behaviour and reduced aggressive tendencies in male dogs.

De-sexing your dog also reduces your annual registration fee by half. Contact your local vet to talk about de-sexing your pet.

Clean up after your dog

Owners are legally responsible for cleaning up after their dogs on any property that is not their own. This means carrying a plastic bag whenever you are in public with your dog.

For further information about the responsibilities of being a dog owner, select from the links below.

• Dog Registration
• Dog Control Policy (48.08 kB)
• Dog Control Bylaw 2007 (45.5 kB)

Selected Owner Policy (SOP)

The Council has a Selected Owner Policy. Dog owners within urban areas may wish to apply for Selected Owner status. This entitles you to a reduced dog registration fee.

To get Selected Owner status, you must complete an application and self-assessment. This must be completed prior to 28 February each year. Following this, an Animal Control Officer will inspect your property and assess your dog to confirm suitability for Selected Owner status.

Infringements of the Dog Control Act 1996, the Council Bylaw (Chapter 6, Control of Dogs) or the Council Dog Control Policy will result in automatic loss of Selected Owner status and a stand-down period will apply as follows:

• failure to register prior to penalty date - 1 year
• a written warning not resulting in legal action - 2 years
• for impoundment of a dog - 3 years
• for issue of an infringement notice for any offence - 3 years
• for prosecution in the District Court, not including a contested infringement notice - 5 years

Owners who do not hold Selected Owner status at the time of an offence will also have the above criteria applied to any future application for Selected Owner status.

Dog Training

Dog obedience training is a positive way of spending time with your dog. It can also help you ensure you are being a responsible dog owner.

There are a number of dog trainers throughout Canterbury. Consult your local phone book, contact the local Dog Training Club or ring the Council’s Animal Control Officers for advice.