Get help if you have lost or found a dog, or have a problem with a wandering, barking, dangerous or menacing dog.
If you are reporting a dog attack or an aggressive/rushing dog call us on 03 941 8999 (24/7) for immediate assistance.
The Animal Management Team administers and enforces the provisions of the Dog Control Act 1996(external link), the Christchurch City Council’s Dog Control Policy and Bylaws and the Impounding Act 1955(external link), within the Christchurch City Council district.
To check if a lost dog is being held with the Council, you can visit our dog shelter:
Address: 10 Metro Place, Bromley, Christchurch.
Phone: 03 941 7048 to make an appointment between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The Council's Animal Shelter public opening hours:
If you have lost your dog, you can also try:
Found dogs are held at the Council's animal shelter.
The law requires all impounded dogs to be held for at least seven days while the Council attempts to contact the dog's owner, or the owner contacts the Council.
After the seventh day, if the owner has not claimed the dog, the Council assumes legal responsibility and ownership of the dog. If an impounded dog is sick or injured, the Council will immediately seek veterinary advice.
Owners of claimed dogs are required to pay registration and impounding fees including food.
Dogs bark naturally to communicate, so occasional barking may be expected. But when the barking is excessive, your dog may be bored or lacking stimulation, especially if left alone during the day.
Dog barking can be a nuisance for your community, and when loud and excessive is a sound few people can tolerate. This is one of the most common dog complaints reported to councils.
If you have a problem with a dog causing a nuisance, you should contact the owner in the first instance if you are able, or contact the Council on 03 941 8999 or online(external link) to have the matter investigated.
Generally, a dog must be classified as dangerous if:
When a dog is classified as dangerous, the dog owner has a right to object within 14 days of receiving the classification notice. Objections must be in writing.
If the Council has classified a dog as dangerous, the owner:
(i) Muzzled in such a manner as to prevent the dog from biting but to allow it to breathe and drink without obstruction.
(ii) Controlled on a leash, except when in a dog exercise area specified in a bylaw made under section 20(1)(d)(external link).
Failure to comply with any of the above makes the owner of a dangerous dog liable to infringement offence notices under several sections of the Dog Control Act 1996(external link), or to a fine of up to $3000 upon conviction.
A Dog Control Officer may also seize, remove and hold the dog until the Council is satisfied that the dog owner will comply with the requirements.
A dog may be classified as menacing either because of it's breed or type, having characteristics typically associated with one of those breeds or types, or because it has attacked or exhibited aggressive behaviour.
The Council must classify as menacing any dog that either wholly or predominantly belongs to one or more of the following dog breeds or types:
If your dog is classified as menacing you must:
Containment of dogs is a serious responsibility, so you are urged to ensure your dog is well controlled and not allowed to wander.
If you have a problem with a dog causing a nuisance you should contact the owner in the first instance if you are able, or contact the Council online(external link) or on 03 941 8999 to have the matter investigated.