Thirty-eight passionate dog owners shared their views at Friday's Thames-Coromandel District Council's Dog Control Policy and Bylaw hearing.

In total 429 people made submissions on the policy and bylaw review which was heard at council chambers in Thames on Friday.

The hearing was an opportunity for people to speak to their submission and answer any questions from elected members.

Along with the 38 speakers there was also one dog who was carried by her owner in a sling-type baby carried.

'Although the speakers represented only a small proportion of submitters, a common topic was area specific rules,” says council.

'Most were happy with the restriction times and dates on beaches and Council reserves, as well as sharing with the non-dog owners and wildlife.”

Council staff were applauded for their work with the Department of Conservation and the dedication to protecting wildlife in the district.

There was also a call for more consistent signage at beaches between council and DOC to avoid confusion was another topic covered at the hearings.

Deliberations will now take place during the Judicial Committee Meeting on March 17 before being submitted to council for adoption on May 18.

The new Dog Control Bylaw will be in place before summer 2016-17.

To view the proposed Dog Control Policy and Bylaw and public submissions visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's consultation portal.