Ōtautahi Christchurch dog rules will change on 3 November 2025.

Council adopted updates to the Dog Control Bylaw and Policy at its the Wednesday 3 September meeting, following extensive consultation and considering recommendations of the hearings panel.

Most changes reflect the ways in which the city has changed since the previous bylaw and policy review in 2016. Since then, the city’s dog population has risen, new shared pathways have been built, and there has been a strong community focus on habitat restoration and wildlife protection.

Staff will notify all registered dog owners of the changes in late October and update information on the Council’s website when the new rules come into effect.