Dog registration is a legal requirement in New Zealand, and it plays a vital role in protecting public safety. It ensures that dogs can be quickly identified and returned to their owners if lost, and it helps fund Animal Control services. These services are essential for managing roaming dogs, preventing attacks, and protecting livestock and property.

Cats are different. There’s no legal requirement for cats to be registered. Without a legal framework, councils have limited ability to enforce local rules - such as issuing fines or being able to take in unregistered or roaming cats. 

While cats can cause problems too, like hunting native birds or disturbing gardens, the Dog Control Act was designed with public safety in mind. Environmental impacts and nuisances weren’t the focus when the law was created.

We’re required to review our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy every 10 years. This review makes sure the rules still fit our community, help keep public spaces safe, support responsible dog ownership, and give clear guidance for dog owners.

Everyone who uses public spaces in Matamata-Piako - dog owners, walkers, families, and visitors. 

We’re checking if our on-leash, dog exercise areas, and "no dogs allowed" areas are in the right places. If not, we might make some changes to keep things safe and enjoyable.

Yes! It's important we hear from the whole community - we all share our streets, CBDs and public spaces.

These are spots where dogs can run free, but owners still need to keep them under control and be able to call them back if needed.

Yes, at the moment dogs are not allowed in these areas:

• within 15 metres of children's play areas/play equipment
• three town CBDs - between 8am-6pm
• Firth Tower Reserve/Museum Site (excluding the carpark and camping/campervan area). 
• Kowhai Street Reserve
• Thomas Park