GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES RULES TO PUNISH PEOPLE FOR PROLONGED TETHERING OF DOGS

The government is introducing new rules from September to protect dogs from harm caused by being tied up for too long.

Under the changes, it will be illegal to tether a dog with a rope, line, or chain in a way that causes them harm. Vulnerable dogs—such as puppies and pregnant dogs—cannot be tethered at all, except in limited situations, like during brief visits from people or animals.

Animal welfare inspectors will now have the authority to issue penalties if they find dogs suffering due to prolonged tethering.

In a statement, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard said that prolonged tethering can cause serious distress to dogs and negatively impact their health by restricting movement.

“This kind of confinement can lead to excessive barking, aggression, and other behaviours that put the dog’s welfare—and the safety of families, the public, and other animals—at risk,” he said.

Hoggard noted the new rules are aimed at curbing “unacceptable treatment” by a small minority of owners.

“Prolonged tethering is one of the most common welfare issues investigated by the SPCA. They’ve told me they receive daily reports, with these cases making up around 10% of dog-related complaints. That’s why we’re taking action to stop it.”

The penalties for those who commit an infringement are:

• $300 if the animal welfare inspector considers the offence has the potential to cause mild short-term harm to the animal.
• $500 if the animal welfare inspector considers the offence has the potential cause mild to moderate short-term harm to the animal.

Prosecution is also possible.

There are some exceptions under the new rules: working dogs, such as farm dogs, are exempt—provided they are regularly untethered and receive adequate exercise.

Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard said responsible dog owners who care for their pets and walk them regularly won’t be affected.

SPCA Scientific Officer Dr Alison Vaughan welcomed the changes, calling them a major step forward for animal welfare.

“This is a long-fought and hard-won victory for dogs across Aotearoa,” she said. “Too many dogs have been chained for months, years, or even their entire lives. These new rules send a clear message—long-term tethering is no longer acceptable in our society. Dogs deserve to be part of the family, not chained up and forgotten.”

She added that while the new regulations won’t fix every case immediately, they give SPCA Inspectors the authority to act in situations where they previously couldn’t.

“Our work is far from done. We’ll continue pushing for stronger protections, including regulations around prolonged caging.”

The new rules take effect on 25 September.