The Queenstown Lakes District Council will hold a public hearing of submissions on the proposed Policy on Dogs, tomorrow (Tuesday).

The council notified the policy in August last year, attracting a total of 82 submissions from the public, covering a wide range of issues. In addition two public meetings were held one in Queenstown and another in Wanaka.

"The Central Government requirement (Dog Control Act 1996) that all dogs be micro chipped raised a significant amount of comment but that is a legislative requirement and one the council has no option but to enforce," CivicCorp policy planner Lisa Kissell said.

The council's policy had been formulated in order to comply with the Act, including the prohibition of dangerous breeds, which received general support from the community.

"A number of the submissions address a desire to exercise dogs on council owned tracks and reserves 'off leash' and that some of the prohibited areas are too extensive without a thoroughfare option," Ms Kissell said.

Submissions also generally supported that dog owners clean up after their dogs and that there should be strengthened penalties for uncontrolled dogs.

The public hearing will take place at the Queenstown Council Chamber, commencing at 10am.

"The hearing panel will then deliberate and make a recommendation to the full council to adopt the final policy," Ms Kissell said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Lisa Kissell on 03 450 0300.

By: Sarah