The New Plymouth District Council is asking the public if dogs should be allowed back into the central business district. A proposed amendment to the Dog Control Bylaw would permit dogs on leads within selected areas of the city centre.
Deputy Mayor and Going for Growth Committee Chair Moira George said the proposal responds to growing public interest. In a statement released by the council, she noted that many locals believe allowing dogs will help create a vibrant inner city.
"I’ve been quite amazed at the number of people who talked to us saying if we want to have a vibrant inner city, then being able to bring their dogs in to the centre is a part of that," George said.
Acknowledging potential pushback, George added that it is vital for residents to share their views to ensure the council gets the balance right. She said there could be concerns from businesses and individuals who are not confident around animals.
The proposed on-lead access would cover specific zones in the city. These include Puke Ariki Landing, Egmont Street from Ariki Street to Devon Street, and sections of both Ariki Street and Gill Street between Egmont and Gover streets. A stretch of Devon Street between Robe and Gover streets is also included in the proposal.
This is not the first time the council has looked at the issue. The NPDC ran a one-month trial in 2021 allowing dogs on leads in the CBD. Despite council officers recommending on-leash access at the time, elected members ultimately voted to ban dogs from the area all year round.
There are currently 9,925 registered dogs across the New Plymouth district. Under the proposed changes, dangerous and menacing dogs would remain prohibited from the CBD. Existing rules requiring owners to immediately pick up dog faeces and dispose of it in a sanitary manner would also stay in force.
While the full Dog Control Bylaw is not scheduled for its regular five-year review until 2027, the committee pushed to consider this amendment early to avoid a lengthy implementation process down the line. Public feedback on the proposal closes on Wednesday, 23 September. Details below 👇
