Skip to main content
News

Have your say: Should dogs on leads be allowed in New Plymouth’s city centre?

News Featured news
PUBLISHED: 24 AUG 2026
Share this article

NPDC is seeking public feedback on a proposal to amend to its Dog Control Bylaw, to allow dogs on leads in selected areas of New Plymouth’s Central Business Area.

Consultation is now open on the proposal, which New Plymouth District Deputy Mayor and Going for Growth Committee Chair Moira George says responds to growing public interest on the issue.

“I’ve been quite amazed at the number of people who talked to us saying if we want to have a vibrant inner city, then being able to bring their dogs in to the centre is a part of that.

“I also recognise that for some people, who are not confident around dogs, as well as some businesses, there could be concerns around this proposed change so it is really important they take the survey to ensure we hear their views so we can get the balance right.

“Whether you live, work, shop or spend time in the CBD - or you’re one of the district’s many dog owners - we want to know what you think,” she says.

Cr George says the committee wanted this proposal considered ahead of next year’s scheduled bylaw review as any changes through that process could take several years to implement, so it wanted to address this issue as soon as it could.

The area where dogs are currently prohibited and is proposed to allow on lead-under control access is:

  • Ariki Street and Gill Street between Egmont Street and Gover Street.
  • Devon Street between Robe Street and Gover Street.
  • Egmont Street from Ariki Street to Devon Street.
  • Puke Ariki Landing.

NPDC ran a one-month trial allowing dogs on leads in the New Plymouth CBD in 2021 as part of a review of the bylaw. While officers recommended to allow on leash access, the Council decision was to ban dogs from the area all-year round.

People can read the statement of proposal and have their say at www.npdc.govt.nz/haveyoursay. Feedback closes Wednesday 23 September.

At a glance

  • There are 9925 registered dogs across New Plymouth district.
  • Currently, people who live in the prohibited area can enter and exit the area with their dogs as long as they are on leads and under control.
  • Dangerous and menacing dogs would still be prohibited from the New Plymouth CBD under the proposal.
  • Existing Dog Control Bylaw rules would continue to apply, including the requirement to remove dog faeces immediately and dispose of it in a sanitary manner.
  • NPDC’s Dog Control Bylaw is required to be reviewed every five years, and is scheduled to be looked at in 2027, however we can consider amendments a head of this review.


Caption: Should dogs under control and on a lead be allowed in New Plymouth’s central business area?

Related news

A life saver for tradies: new million dollar waste sorting facility to open for region's businesses
NPDC to discuss Central Government’s Three Waters Reforms at Public Meeting
Historic touches in place as Pukekura Park transformed for footy

Page last updated: 09:34am Mon 24 August 2026

Contact us
06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
Visit us

84 Liardet Street
New Plymouth

Search
Find by A–Z
Navigate
Useful links
Our NPDC family
New Zealand Government logo