11/09/2024
Thanks to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand for consulting on this important matter!
The Association for Professional Dog Trainers New Zealand (APDTNZ) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Christchurch City Council’s survey regarding dog control policies and leash laws. We appreciate the Council's commitment to reviewing these regulations to balance public safety with the needs of dogs and their caregivers. We fully support the implementation of limits on the number of dogs one person can walk at a time to ensure better control and safety. However, we have concerns about the potential over-reliance on increased leash laws as a blanket solution for general dog-related issues.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘀
While leash laws are designed to ensure public safety and order, applying more stringent leash requirements universally may not effectively address the underlying issues related to canine behaviour and public safety. Instead of broad restrictions, a more nuanced approach is recommended, one that emphasises education, responsible dog guardianship, and community engagement.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲
Ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of dogs involves not only physical health but also ethical considerations in training and handling practices, including enrichment and agency. Research highlights several benefits of giving dogs freedom to explore:
- 𝘗𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩: Increased physical activity, contributing to better overall health (Hurley et al., 2011), including the prevention of obesity. As outlined in New Zealand’s Code of Welfare for dogs, exercise is crucial for both physical and mental health and insufficient exercise can lead to behavioural problems.
- 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦: Greater sense of agency in dogs by allowing them enhanced sense of freedom to explore their environment, which significantly augments their positive welfare and reduces behavioural concerns (Blattner et al., 2020; Jones, 2024; Littlewood et al., 2023; Westgarth et al., 2010).
- 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯: Dogs benefit from cognitive engagement and environmental enrichment, leading to reduced stress and anxiety (Kis et. al., 2015; Moesta et al., 2015).
Longer leads (at least 3m or 10 feet) and long lines have emerged as significant aids in achieving goals of greater freedom and agency (Campbell et al., 2016; Littlewood et al., 2023) while keeping dogs, wildlife, and the public safe. Longer leashes and off lead freedoms, when properly trained, promote natural behaviours such as sniffing, roaming, and interacting with their surroundings, which increases a dog’s feelings of safety and satisfaction (Foltin & Ganslosser, 2021), in line with the Five Domains Model of animal welfare (Mellor et al., 2020).
𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗱
Off-lead freedom for dogs under effective control and longer leashes help in addressing behavioural concerns by providing appropriate outlets for energy and exploration, reducing the likelihood of behavioural problems (Foltin & Ganslosser, 2021), including leash pulling, which is a notable welfare concern for dogs (Townsend et al., 2022). This increase in autonomy reduces stress and frustration, subsequently leading to a decrease in undesired behaviours like excessive barking, or aggressive/conflict behaviours. Additionally, they contribute to strengthening the bond between dogs and their caregivers (APPA, 2020), as “well-behaved” and content dogs are easier to manage and enjoy a higher quality of life (Jones, 2024; Littlewood et. al., 2023).
Dogs are highly valued in New Zealand society, both as companions and working animals. However, improper management and care can negatively impact their welfare and potentially affect other dogs, humans, animals, and the environment. In order to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Code of Welfare for dogs, the promotion of effective off-lead freedom and the use of longer leashes will help enhance canine welfare and mitigate the risks above.
𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
Excessive restrictions, such as stricter leash laws, can inadvertently exacerbate behavioural problems by limiting dogs' opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. This may lead to increased frustration and stress, undermining the very safety these laws aim to achieve (Horwitz & Mills, 2009; Tami et al., 2008).
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Rather than implementing more restrictive leash laws, we advocate for prioritising educational initiatives. Educating dog guardians about humane training techniques, responsible stewardship, and the benefits of positive reinforcement can significantly reduce behavioural issues that lead to stricter regulations (AVMA, 2019). Effective education fosters a deeper understanding of dogs' needs, as well as teaching them skills needed to coexist harmoniously in public spaces, leading to better public integration and reduced conflicts.
𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀
We recommend a well-rounded approach that includes creating more dog-friendly spaces, such as designated off-leash areas (including shared human-dog spaces), alongside educational campaigns to address safety concerns effectively. The positive impact of such initiatives means that communities with accessible dog-friendly spaces report higher levels of social cohesion and community wellbeing (Wood et al., 2015). Engaging the community in unbiased discussions about dog policies ensures that regulations are practical and enforceable and see more compliance and fewer conflicts between dog caregivers and non-caregivers (Weiss et al., 2013). Collaborative efforts between dog caregivers, animal behaviourists, and council can result in policies that are considerate, protect public safety whilst promoting the welfare of dogs.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
In summary, while leash laws play a role in maintaining order, unreasonable restrictions on their use is not a panacea for canine behaviour and public safety issues. We propose that a comprehensive strategy, integrating education and the use of longer leashes is a more effective and humane approach. One effective method is creating and maintaining more off-leash areas where dogs can exist under specified conditions (example, leash when necessary, expected courtesies and particular skill sets, i.e. “under effective control”). These spaces, combined with educational programmes for dog caregivers, can mitigate the need for restrictive leash laws. By focusing on these strategies, we can foster a positive environment for both dogs and people.
We have already witnessed significant improvement over the last few years with people using positive reinforcement training and longer leashes to reduce unwanted interactions and harm from leash tension. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion and encourage the Christchurch City Council to consider these perspectives in their review process. As the body representing ethical professional dog trainers in New Zealand, we would very much appreciate being consulted further as the review process progresses.
Sincerely,
𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙜 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙕𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙
Find the list of references here: https://www.apdtnz.org.nz/CCC-letter-references
