Western Bay of Plenty District Council's new Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2016 comes into effect on Friday.

The policy and bylaw updates rules for dog welfare, neutering, dog exercise areas and dealing with dog poo and aims to achieve a balance the needs of dog owners and the wider community.

Three of the main changes include the introduction of on leash restrictions in the Te Puke, Katikati and Waihi Beach town centres, and the new Omokoroa to Tauranga Cycleway being designated as a ‘dogs on lead' area to reduce potential issues between cyclists and dogs off lead.

Owners are also now required to carry a poo bag in public areas at all times and can be issued an infringement for not complying, though warnings will be given initially.

Compliance and monitoring manager Alison Curtis says dog safety awareness is becoming more important as the number of people, and subsequently dogs, move to this district.

'Council strives to minimise the potential danger, distress and nuisance of dogs to the community generally while ensuring the adequate welfare and wellbeing of dogs.

'The bylaw and policy is about ensuring the right balance, acknowledging the positives of dogs in our community and ensuring a dog safe environment.”

Earlier this year council went out to the community year to talk about the changes people wanted to see to the dog rules and find out what is important to them. A draft policy was then created for formal feedback and most was generally supportive of the proposals, says Alison.

To acknowledge the new policy and bylaw, council has organised the Western Bay Wander Dogs event at TECT All Terrain Park on Saturday, October 15, from 10am-12pm.

The social event is an opportunity for dog owners to meet members of council's Animal Services team, and ask questions on the changes.

To view the policy and bylaw visit the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Dog Control Policy and Bylaw website.