NZ Moves to End Harmful Dog Tethering with Stronger Animal Welfare Laws

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of companion animal ownership in the world, with dogs being a central part of many families.

In a significant step forward for animal welfare in New Zealand, the Government has announced progress on long-awaited regulations to curb the prolonged tethering of dogs. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says the changes are designed to give animal welfare inspectors the power to take swift action when they find dogs suffering from being tied up for extended periods without adequate care.

Public Pressure Spurs Action

Minister Hoggard acknowledged that the issue has been a growing concern among New Zealanders. “I’ve been hearing a lot from members of the public who want to see action taken,” he said. “The SPCA tells us this is one of the issues they receive daily calls about. It’s clear that strong animal welfare standards are important to people across the country.”

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of companion animal ownership in the world, with dogs being a central part of many families. Despite that, there have been recurring cases of neglect involving dogs being tethered in conditions that cause distress and harm.

Initial Proposals Lacked Teeth

When Minister Hoggard took office, he was presented with four proposed regulations addressing dog tethering. However, he expressed concerns about the enforceability and practical impact of those measures.

“I was concerned that they couldn’t be enforced and that it wouldn’t lead to better outcomes for dogs that are tethered for unreasonable periods of time,” he explained. “We needed something that would make a real difference.”

A Collaborative Approach

To address these concerns, the Minister directed officials to work more closely with the SPCA and to consider the insights gained during public consultation. The collaboration resulted in a refined set of regulations that were recently taken to Cabinet and received broad support from fellow ministers.

“These are very important regulations, and we needed to take our time to ensure the best outcomes,” said Hoggard. “Most dog owners in New Zealand treat their animals well, and these regulations will have little to no impact upon them. But for the small minority who are failing to meet their dogs’ basic needs, these changes are critical.”

New Powers for Inspectors

The forthcoming regulations will provide animal welfare inspectors with clear authority to intervene when dogs are found suffering due to prolonged tethering. Inspectors will be empowered to assess the conditions in which a dog is kept, including the length of time it is tied up, access to water and shelter, and freedom of movement.

By defining acceptable tethering practices and establishing penalties for violations, the new rules aim to prevent chronic neglect and improve the lives of affected animals.

Implementation Timeline

While the regulations are not yet law, the Government expects to finalize them by the end of the year. Once passed, there will be a transitional period focused on education and awareness.

“We want to make sure that all dog owners understand their obligations,” Hoggard said. “The education period will give people time to adapt if changes are needed, while also reinforcing the importance of humane treatment for all dogs.”

Widespread Support

Animal welfare groups, including the SPCA, have welcomed the announcement. Many have long called for more robust laws to prevent the mistreatment of tethered dogs, citing numerous cases where prolonged restraint led to physical and psychological harm.

Advocates say the new rules will help shift public expectations and increase accountability for pet owners.

With the Government poised to introduce these stronger animal welfare protections, New Zealand is reaffirming its commitment to the humane treatment of animals. The new dog tethering regulations signal a future where neglect and mistreatment can be more effectively addressed, ensuring that all dogs, regardless of their circumstances, are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.