Activity Group: Regulatory Activity: Animal Control Bylaws. Council oversees the effective delivery of this service, which is delivered on a day-to-day basis under contract. How this Activity Contributes to the Vision and Related Community Outcomes The objective for the activity is to encourage responsible dog ownership which allows owners to enjoy their dogs without infringing on the enjoyment and safety of This Activity helps to achieve the Vision by promoting quality lifestyles and well- others. being. It also contributes to the Community Outcomes of Governance, Environment, People, Connectivity and Living as outlined below. The key methods to achieve this objective include: Outcome Actions Governance Ensuring the Council meets its statutory obligations under applicable • providing a dog registration process statues. • educating the community about dog safety and care Publishing policy consultation documents, and making participation investigating complaints of dog attacks and taking the appropriate in the consultation process easy and accessible. • enforcement action. Enabling public interaction and targeted engagement in Council registration and dog control processes through customer surveys. Statutory Requirements Environment Providing for a range of dog exercise, restricted and prohibited areas in the Council’s Dog Control Policy and Bylaw to provide a Dog Control Act 1996 safe environment for dog owners and the public. Promote and encourage responsible dog ownership and welfare of dogs. • People Supporting and enhancing the well-being and quality of life of people Adopt a dog control policy. by specifying dog exercise, restricted access and prohibited areas • within our community. Register and classify dogs. • Providing information on animal control challenges and successes Appoint dog control officer(s). • to individuals, schools, community groups and industries. Connectivity Ensuring our public roads and public places are kept safe and • Report on implementation of the Dog Control Policy. accessible by removing wandering dogs and livestock. Impounding Act 1955 Living Patrolling parks and reserves, and taking appropriate dog control Establish and operate a district pound. enforcement action to prevent nuisance conditions and to ensure • public safety. Supporting the public to safely participate in sports and recreation in Council’s Dog Control Bylaw areas where there are dog friendly or restricted areas. • Enforce the District’s Bylaws. Protecting public and individual safety by investigating complaints of Emerging Issues and Expected Changes dog attacks and taking appropriate enforcement action. What is this Activity About? Perceptions of Dogs in the Community and Dog Attacks There has been regular media interest in dog attacks in the last few years. This The Activity involves the promotion of responsible dog ownership and protection of can create fear in the community. However, serious dog attacks are rare. When the community from danger, distress and nuisance caused by dogs. It also serious incidents do occur, these need to be investigated thoroughly and the likely provides services in relation to wandering livestock on public land and roads. The cause of the attack assessed so that appropriate action can be taken. Dog Control Act 1996 (DCA) is the primary legislative tool used in this Activity, together with related regulations including the Impounding Act 1955 and Council 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 140