Breaking Chains With New Regulations: Safer Alternatives To Dog Tethering

The new regulations banning prolonged tethering of dogs will contribute to a long-term improvement in animal welfare and wellbeing, even if there may be a difficult period of adaptation. That’s according to dog behavioural expert and trainer Maria Alomajan, who 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 MPI, and even two of my pets were ex-chain dogs I rescued,” she says.

Noting that nothing was done for decades, she says the new measures will make dog owners think twice and arguably improve how they keep their pets.

Alomajan says 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 (outlined further below). This can lead to excessive barking, tether-based reactivity / aggression and other behaviours which 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 stresses.

The changes amend the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018, prohibiting the tethering of dogs using ropes, lines, or chains to a fixed point in ways that cause harm. 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.

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Vulnerable dogs, including puppies and pregnant females, cannot be tethered at all, except in limited exceptions like temporary situations involving visitors or other animals on the property. Penalties include a $300 fine for offenses with potential for mild, short-term harm, and $500 for those risking mild to moderate short-term harm. More severe cases could lead to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act.

Exceptions apply to working dogs, such as farm animals, provided they are regularly released from tethers and given sufficient exercise to maintain their health.

PD Insurance COO Michelle Le Long says nobody wants to see people punished and hopes the measures will instead act as a deterrent and drive positive change. “Better awareness of the adverse consequences of prolonged tethering as well as the risk of getting fined will contribute to better approaches to looking after pets. Nobody wants a fine but also, nobody wants to see chained dogs suffering.”

She says the spirit of the law is in the right place.

Alomajan points out that tethered dogs often cannot express ‘species typical’ behaviours and aren’t allowed the five basic freedoms in the internationally recognised standards for humane animal treatment. These are freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury, and disease fear and distress and have the ability to exhibit normal behaviour.

“If temporary tethering is necessary, it can be done in more humane ways,” she adds.

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. Supervision is necessary, as dogs can become entangled. Most critically, adds Alomajan, is limiting tether time, minimising stress.

Alomajan says she favours long-term safer alternatives for short-term tethering including:

· 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.

Le Long says better methods for dog control contribute to improved health outcomes, reducing risks of injury and behavioural problems while enhancing overall well-being for pets and communities. “These laws are overdue; it is very good news for tethered dogs,” she concludes.

About PD Insurance (pd.co.nz)

pd.co.nz is a pet insurance specialist offering pet insurance for cats and dogs with no annual lock-in contracts. The business is committed to fast and fair claims and its customer service philosophy centres around Simplicity (in service delivery) and Soft Landings (a commitment to providing customers a gentle landing in times of need).

Headquartered in Auckland and part of Pacific International Insurance, pd.co.nz has partnered with Healthy Pets New Zealand and Dogs New Zealand to promote pet health and responsible ownership. Recognised for excellence, the business won the 2024 Reader's Digest Silver Pet Insurance award, the 2023 MoneyHub Favourite Pet Insurer Award and Canstar's 2022 Most Satisfied Customers - Pet Insurance award.

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