The survey on dog controls comes as the dog control policy and bylaw are due for review, with changes possible.
Council staff said early consultation, which included the survey, indicated the nuisance caused by dogs was a problem and there might be support for changes to the rules governing man's best friend.
Of the 810 people who took part in the survey, views differed markedly between the 462 dog owners, who were more likely to want changes, and the 348 non-dog owners, who were more likely to be happy with the status quo.
Among changes dog owners supported were allowing dogs on a leash in the CBD (70%) and in cemeteries (60% on a leash and 14% under verbal control).
Most non-dog owners also supported allowing dogs in cemeteries and most in both camps also supported easing restrictions allowing only one dog per property before a permit is required.
There was agreement on a range of other issues, with 86% of all respondents supporting the council waste bag dispensers and rubbish bins in places where there was a high number of dogs.
However, most non-dog owners were against allowing dogs in the CBD and were much less likely to think there were too many restrictions on dog owners.
In a report to be tabled at next week's planning and regulatory committee, Environmental Health leader Ros MacGill and policy adviser Brendon Harper recommended councillors vote in favour of further consultation, ''due to a high level of community interest'', before adopting a draft policy and bylaw.
The committee was also given the option of having staff prepare a draft policy and bylaw - which would reflect views gained during consultation - for its next meeting.
