Published on 29 July 2025
Community feedback leads Mayor and Councillors to agree to permanent changes.
Today the Mayor and Councillors agreed to permanently allow dogs on-lead in three areas of Oamaru – the Oamaru Thames Street CBD, Oamaru North (North End Shops) and Harbour Street between sunrise and sunset.
When adopting the new Dog By Law and Dog Control Policy in December 2024, a trial of dogs on-lead in previously prohibited areas was agreed for six months.
Between February and July, consultation on the trial changes was open to the community and received 204 responses, the Animal Management team also contacted 47 businesses in the trial areas for their feedback which was included in today's agenda.
Council recognizes that not all members of the community were in favour of the changes and would like to urge all dog owners to be responsible, and respectful of others, when walking their dogs.
The new on-lead areas are:
• Dogs onlead Oamaru Thames St CBD
• Dogs onlead Oamaru North CBD
• Dogs onlead from sunrise to sunset in Harbour Street and dogs prohibited from sunset to sunrise.
Any queries on the changes can be referred to the Animal Management team at Council. The Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy can be accessed on the Waitaki District Council webpage here: https://www.waitaki.govt.nz/Services/Animal-Management
ENDS
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