Ashburton District residents are being asked to have their say on the proposed Dog Control Bylaw and Policy, and Open Spaces Bylaw, with feedback welcome until Sunday, 11 July.

The proposed Dog Control Bylaw and Policy includes two new clauses. These state that owners must make sure their dogs are wearing current registration tags while away from home and owners must carry plastic bags or something else to remove their dog’s poo from public land.

Council is also proposing that the dog exercise area at Argyle Park be extended and a new dog exercise area created in northeast Ashburton next to the Ashburton Business Park. The new northeast exercise area runs between Company Road and Taits Road.

Consistent with Department of Conservation rules, new areas where dogs are prohibited have also been added.

The draft Open Spaces Bylaw includes changes that help address problems or nuisance behaviour on council’s parks, reserves and public gardens.

Officers will have authority to remove structures, traffic will be limited to 20km/h if no speed limit is posted, and boundary fences will need permission. The document also lists approved camping areas in the district.

Council’s Strategy and Compliance Group Manager Jane Donaldson said the proposed dog rules aim to find a balance between minimising the potential for incidents and providing for the recreational needs of dogs and their owners.

The proposed Open Spaces Bylaw helps the council address damage to its parks and open spaces and behaviour that affects other people’s enjoyment of those areas.

You can find details about the draft documents and the changes being proposed, as well as an online submission form on the Council's website.

Feedback is welcome until 5 pm, 11 July and can be submitted online, in writing, or via email to submissions@adc.govt.nz.

If you would like to speak to your submission, a hearing is scheduled to be held on 29 July.