Dog Control Act 1996

Obligations of owner

54A: Owner must use or carry leash in public

You could also call this:

"Take a leash when your dog is with you in public"

When you are in a public place with your dog, you must carry a leash. This rule applies if your dog is with you and does not already need to be on a leash. You will get a fine of up to $500 if you do not follow this rule.

If you own a working dog, this rule does not apply to that dog. You must follow the law and carry a leash when you are in public with your dog. If you break this rule, you can be fined up to $500.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM375403.


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54AOwner must use or carry leash in public

  1. The owner of a dog must carry a leash when in a public place if—

  2. the dog is with the owner; and
    1. the dog is not otherwise required to be controlled on a leash by or under this Act or any other enactment.
      1. Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 who, being the owner of a dog, fails to comply with subsection (1).

      2. This section does not apply to the owner of a working dog in relation to the working dog.

      Notes
      • Section 54A: inserted, on , by section 34 of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2003 (2003 No 119).
      • Section 54A(1): substituted, on , by section 20(1) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 61).
      • Section 54A(2): amended, on , by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
      • Section 54A(3): amended, on , by section 20(2) of the Dog Control Amendment Act 2004 (2004 No 61).