Breaking the chain: New dog tethering laws
New rules on dog tethering are now in force.
From 25 September, two new regulations took effect under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations.
These regulations focus on the actual harms associated with prolonged or inappropriate tethering. They are designed to address situations where dogs are being harmed as a result of being chained or tied up for long periods and to protect vulnerable dogs such as puppies and mothers.
Animal welfare inspectors will have the authority to issue infringement notices when they identify dogs suffering from long-term tying, such as physical injuries, behavioural issues, or restricted movement.
Dog behavioural expert and trainer Maria Alomajan has long campaigned for legislative change.
“This has been very important to me over the last 20 years; I’ve volunteered for Chained Dog Awareness, spoken to former Prime Minister John Key about it, worked with Paw Justice, was invited to an advisory panel by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), and even two of my pets were ex-chain dogs I rescued,” she says.
Maria says the new measures will make dog owners think twice and arguably improve how they keep their pets. Prolonged tethering causes significant distress and affects health by limiting freedom to express normal behaviours and escape aversive environments or situations and it contravenes the Five Domains, which are the five basic freedoms in the internationally recognised standards for humane animal treatment. These are freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour, and freedom from fear and distress. Maria points out that tethered dogs often cannot express “species typical” behaviours. This can lead to excessive barking, tether-based reactivity/aggression and other behaviours that could endanger the welfare of the dog, the safety of families that own dogs, the public and other animals.
“This is why these laws are necessary, because these adverse consequences of excessive tethering do happen,” she says.
“If temporary tethering is necessary, it can be done in more humane ways.” This includes using a harness instead of a collar to prevent neck injuries, providing a swivel attachment to avoid tangling, and providing constant access to water, food, and shelter. Most critically, says Maria, is limiting tether time, minimising stress.
Long-term safer alternatives for short-term tethering include:
Secure fencing: A sturdy fence, allowing dogs freedom to move while keeping them contained.
Exercise pens or runs: Portable or permanent enclosures providing a safe space for dogs to play and rest without restriction and under shelter.
Overhead trolley systems: A cable run between two points, attached to a harness, offers more movement than a fixed tether while preventing escapes.
Training and regular exercise: Professional training can address issues like reactivity or wandering, combined with daily walks or visits with a playmate for socialisation and physical activity.
Full details can be found on MPI’s website at legislation.govt.nz.
