The Wanganui District Council may leash the dogs of war.
And possibly limit how many dogs people can own.
It's all part of plans to "harden up" on dangerous and nuisance dogs.
Mandatory leashing of dogs in public places, a limit per household and tougher enforcement of rules are all possible for dog owners.
The council is calling for comment on the proposed dog control bylaw changes.
The changes are intended to "improve community safety by reducing the number of unwanted dogs, roaming dogs and dogs likely to attack people and animals," said council's deputy strategy and development manager Jonathan Barrett.
"The main difference between the existing policy and the proposed policy is that the proposed policy will require dogs to be on a leash at all times in public areas. It also limits dogs to a maximum of three per household in urban areas. The bylaw enforces tougher infringements on dog owners who don't comply with regulations."
Mr Barrett says it is important that the public have their say on the proposed documents before they are adopted because of the interest in dog control issues in our community.
" ... we need to harden up in our approach to dog welfare and safety."
Online submissions on the Proposed Dog Control Policy 2015 and the Proposed Dog Control Bylaw 2015 can be made through the "Have your say" page of www.wanganui.govt.nz. Hard copies of the documents are available at the Davis Central City Library, Gonville Cafe Library and at the Customer Services Counter at the Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton St. The deadline for submissions is February 20.