Auckland Council Bylaw
Limiting walking multiple dogs to a maximum of 6 dogs on-leash and 3 off-leash
Auckland Council are proposing significant changes to the Dog Management Bylaw​ for Auckland which will impact all dogs walkers who walk in public spaces.
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Despite advocacy from PDWA, Councillors have decided to send the proposal to public consultation.
If approved the bylaw change could come into effect as early as July 2025.
What is PDWA's position?
At PDWA we view a limit of only 6 dogs with 3 off leash as a ban on professional dog walking in Auckland which is the wrong approach to take.
We agree that something has to happen to address recent issues.
PDWA strongly supports a licensing regime being introduced for professional dog walkers in Auckland and we think this will address the issues and keep dog walking available for Aucklanders.​
Why is the proposed limit not a good idea
PDWA does not support the proposed limit for three key reasons
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1.​ It doesn't address the issue
Auckland Council staff have said that people walking multiple dogs are creating nuisance and distress to the public. There is very little evidence of this being true and the main source of this is a survey conducted of the Auckland Council "Peoples Panel" which referenced anecdotal issues not backed up by complaints to Auckland Council Animal Management.
By Auckland Councils own data the most prominent issue facing dog management in Auckland is roaming dogs, not dogs being walked causing nuisance. We think this proposal is a reaction to negative media and not based on evidence.
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2. The change unfairly targets professional dog walkers only
Auckland Council have said that they are not targeting professional dog walkers, but this bylaw change will only impact professional dog walkers. Professional dog walkers ​and PDWA have also not been spoken to about any nuisance issues or how to best address any issues. We think that licensing of some kind rather than a total ban would better address any issues with professional dog walkers.
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3. The Bylaw won't be enforced
Auckland dog owners all know that Animal Management staff are stretched, and it takes days for them to respond to serious issues. Animal Management already do not proactively monitor known dog walking hotspots and this bylaw will not change this. The fact that the Waitakere Rangers Local Board had to fund a dedicated ranger to monitor and enforce rules at west coast beaches is proof of this.
If Auckland Council won't enforce the bylaw then the only people who will be impacted will be those that already follow all the rules, meaning rule breakers will continue to break the rules and issues will continue.
What should
I do?
1 / Make a submission
Go to akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz before 23 February 2025 and tell Auckland Council what you think.
2 / Tell people
Tell your clients, friends, family and local community about the proposal and how it will impact you and them.
3 / Contact your local councillor
The ultimate decision will be made by Councillors not council staff so call your local councillor and tell them what you think. You can find their details here. Also remember council elections are happening this year!
What can we do?
What is PDWA doing?
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PDWA is advocating strongly against this change. You will see us on social media, engaging with Council, members and the public on this issue.
Our website will soon have resources and templates to help you submit and get your clients to submit and we have a petition live now!
What can I do as dog walker
1. Be an advocate for the industry when you are in public by following the rules and putting your best foot forward.
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2. Tell Auckland Council what you think
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3. Tell your clients and tell them how to submit. You can use our
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4. Reach out to people you know who have influence, you or your clients may know a councillor, make sure you talk to them.
What can clients and the public do?
Make sure you tell Auckland Council that you do not support a dog walking limit by going to akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz