A pamphlet outlining the suggested changes is being posted out with dog registration forms and will be available to the general public through Council service centres and public libraries from 6 June.

Feedback on the changes must be with the Council by 18 July. Comments can be made by returning the pamphlet freepost, writing to the Council�s environmental policy leader or through the Have Your Say website, at www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay

The changes, which met the approval of the Council at its March meeting, focus on making regulations easier for dog owners to understand, protecting popular beach areas from fouling, increasing children�s safety and preventing dogs from causing harm to sensitive wildlife areas.

Some dog owners have expressed concern that the new rules would prohibit dogs from Christchurch beaches but the only change to the existing policy is that dogs would be prohibited from popular areas during the months of daylight saving, says Mark Vincent, the Council�fs Animal Control Officer. New signage would be installed, clearly showing where dogs were prohibited or required to be on a leash.

Changes to the policy around children's playgrounds have been suggested to make it clearer that dogs are not allowed near children's play equipment.

Council ecologist Andrew Crossland has been active in encouraging the Council to exclude or restrict dogs from several of Christchurch's ecologically sensitive areas.

He says Christchurch is known internationally for its wildlife and has one of the highest bird populations of any comparable area in New Zealand. Many birds are vulnerable to disturbance and predation because they nest, feed and roost on the ground. Dogs can cause serious damage to these populations.

• Have Your Say: feedback on the proposed changes must be with the Council by 18 July. www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay