Proposed changes to a dog policy and bylaw have prompted 38 submissions to the Waitaki District Council, but it wants more before the deadline of 5pm on Monday.
The council has a dog policy and bylaw it adopted in 2004, but it has to be reviewed this year, partly to take in law changes.
Contentious issues might include opening up more areas to dogs off leads, restricting dog numbers on urban properties and clarifying what working dogs are.
Regulatory services manager Lichelle Guyan said yesterday people had been making submissions since the beginning of July but she would like to see more come in over the next few days.
''It's important that people make their views heard so the council can make an informed decision on the proposed changes,'' she said.
Five key areas were being reviewed. -
• Where and when dogs could be exercised off leads.
• Updating microchipping and fees.
• How the community could be kept safe with greater dog controls.
• Encouraging responsible dog ownership.
• How dogs were classified.
The draft bylaw is on the council website (www.waitaki.govt.nz), along with an online survey and an opportunity to make comments.
''This is a good time for people to come forward and express their opinions and make comments on the proposed changes and I encourage them to do so,'' Mrs Guyan said.
Public submissions will be considered by the council on August 6 and the final Dog Control Policy and Bylaw adopted, with any changes, on September 17.
