New Rules to Penalize Dog Owners for Prolonged Tethering

New regulations aimed at improving animal welfare will come into effect in Aotearoa on September 25, 2023. The new rules prohibit dog owners from tethering their pets for extended periods, a practice that has been shown to cause significant distress and health issues for dogs. Under these new guidelines, animal welfare inspectors will have the authority to issue fines if they determine that a dog is suffering due to prolonged tethering.

The regulations specify that dogs must not be tied using a rope, line, or chain attached to a fixed point if doing so poses a risk of harm. Notably, certain vulnerable groups of dogs, including puppies and pregnant dogs, cannot be tethered at all except under specific circumstances, such as when visitors or other animals are temporarily on a property.

In a statement regarding the new rules, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard highlighted the detrimental effects of prolonged tethering on dogs. He noted that this practice restricts their freedom and can lead to excessive barking, aggression, and other behavioral issues that may endanger the welfare of the animals, families, and the public.

Hoggard emphasized that the changes target the “unacceptable treatment” of a minority of dog owners. He stated, “Prolonged confinement and tethering of dogs is one of the most common areas investigated by the SPCA. They tell me they receive daily calls about it and it accounts for about 10 percent of dog-related welfare complaints. That’s why we’re putting a stop to it.”

The penalties for violating the new rules are structured to reflect the severity of harm potentially caused. Offenders may face fines of $300 if the offence is deemed to cause mild, short-term harm to a dog. This increases to $500 if the inspector considers the offence could result in mild to moderate short-term harm. Prosecution is also a possibility for egregious violations.

Certain exceptions are included in the regulations. Working dogs, such as those used on farms, are exempt from the tethering restrictions as long as they receive adequate exercise and are not tethered continuously. Hoggard reassured responsible dog owners that those who regularly walk and care for their pets would not be affected by these new rules.

The SPCA welcomed the regulations, with Dr. Alison Vaughan, the organization’s Scientific Officer, describing them as a significant step forward for animal welfare in Aotearoa. Vaughan remarked, “This is a long-fought and hard-won victory for dogs across Aotearoa. These new regulations are the outcome of years of hard work by SPCA’s advocacy function. Too many dogs have suffered, chained for months, years, or even their whole lives—this is simply the right thing to do. Dogs deserve to be part of the family, not chained up and forgotten.”

While Vaughan acknowledged that the new regulations would not resolve every case of animal neglect immediately, she expressed optimism that they would empower inspectors to act in situations where they previously lacked the authority. She added, “Our work is far from finished. We remain committed to advocating for regulations to address prolonged confinement (caging).”

As the new rules take effect, many hope that they will foster a culture of responsible pet ownership and enhance the well-being of dogs across the region.