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Find out about the laws that apply to dog ownership in Lower Hutt.
About the Dog Control Bylaw
The Hutt City Council Dog Control Bylaw 2025 (Part 4 - Dog Control) recognises that the majority of dog owners in Lower Hutt are responsible and that most interaction between dogs and the public is positive.
This bylaw aims to achieve a balance between the control of dogs and recognition of the health benefits of dog ownership.
It also gives legal powers to enforce the bylaw and determines requirements for keeping dogs in a way that:
- protects the public from nuisance
- maintains and promotes public health and safety
- safeguards the welfare of animals.
Read the 2024/2025 Annual Dog Report
Read the 2023/2024 Annual Dog Report
Commercial dog walking license information
Hutt City Council ratified the amendments to the Dog Control Bylaw and the Dog Control Policy on 31 July 2025.
Amendments include
- A licence will be requirement for commercial dog walkers (see pages 14-15 of the bylaw)
- A limit of four dogs under one person’s control in public spaces (this excludes commercial dog walkers with demonstrated experience, who will be able to walk the number of dogs they are capable of handling safely)
Find out what you need to do to get a Commercial dog walking licence.
Hutt City Council bylaws and policies
Dog Control BylawControl of Animals BylawDog Control Policy
New Zealand Government Laws
Dog Control Act 1996Animal Welfare Act 1999