New regulations cracking down on the prolonged tethering of dogs is expected to be finalised by year-end, the Government has announced this afternoon.
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard said the change will give animal welfare inspectors the tools to intervene quickly when dogs are suffering harm from being tied up for long periods. The SPCA has welcomed the move, calling it a “major milestone”.
Hoggard said he had “been hearing a lot from members of the public” who want to see action taken” on the issue of dog chaining.
“Most dog owners in New Zealand treat their animals well and these regulations will have little to no impact upon them,” he said.
“I’m confident these regulations will result in better outcomes for those dogs.
“We have a few steps to follow to get these proposals ready to become law, but it is my expectation that these will be finalised by the end of the year. That will be followed by a short period with a focus on education so that all dog owners understand their obligations and to allow those who need to make changes time to adapt.”
A law change was first proposed and consulted on two years ago.
While proposed regulations are with the minister in charge, the SPCA says progress has been “delayed”. (Source: 1News)
Nearly 30,000 people signed a petition to Parliament on the issue in 2021.
The changes agreed on through Cabinet included:
- “Giving MPI and SPCA Animal Welfare Inspectors the ability to issue fines when they find dogs living in conditions that are often seen when dogs are tethered for long periods, such as heavily worn surfaces, build-up of faecal waste, or displaying behavioural signs of excessive frustration such as excessive barking or self-mutilation;
- “Protections will also be introduced for dogs during vulnerable periods such as when they are pregnant, nursing, or in the first six months of their lives;
- “Appropriate and practical exemptions are also included that will allow temporary tethering of these dogs such as when they are being trained as farm dogs, or when owners might need to restrain their dog when a tradesperson comes onto their property.”
A spokesperson for the SPCA said for the “first time, there will be a clear, enforceable standard, allowing intervention where dogs are suffering physically, emotionally, or are kept in unsafe conditions due to the way they are tethered”.
Deedee, now with a loving home, is still showing the scars of being chained and confined to a cage. (Source: 1News)
“This is a long-fought and hard-won victory for dogs across Aotearoa,” said the charity’s scientific officer Alison Vaughan.
Hoggard said the Government’s legislation was developed in consultation with the SPCA.
He said: “When I came to office, officials provided me four proposed regulations. 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.
“I directed my officials to work with the SPCA to improve on the proposals, taking into account the very considered input received during public consultation.”