SPCA is thrilled with Minister Hoggard’s announcement today on the new regulations to target the prolonged tethering of dogs, which will come into effect 25 September.

The new regulations state that a person must not tether a dog if it results in observable signs of suffering linked to the prolonged tethering. Certain categories of vulnerable dogs including puppies and pregnant dogs cannot be tethered at all apart from in a few exceptional cases.

“This is long-fought and hard-won victory for dogs across Aotearoa,” says Dr Alison Vaughan, SPCA’s Scientific Officer. “These changes won’t solve every case overnight, but it’s a step forward that will permit our Inspectors to act in situations where they couldn’t before."

The changes are a direct outcome of SPCA's work behind the scenes with MPI and the Minister, the powerful backing of supporters through our ‘Break the Chain’ campaign and the work of other animal rescues including HUHANZ and Chained Dog Awareness NZ. Thank you to everyone who supported this important work and contributed to this long-awaited outcome

Learn more on our website: https://www.spca.nz/.../article/dog-tethering-regs-announced