The New Zealand Government is advancing new regulations aimed at curbing the prolonged tethering of dogs, with Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announcing strengthened measures to protect animal welfare.
In response to growing public concern and daily complaints received by the SPCA, the Government has committed to bolstering the legal framework for how dogs can be tethered. Minister Hoggard emphasized that the new regulations are designed to empower animal welfare inspectors to act swiftly when a dog’s wellbeing is at risk.
“I’ve heard loud and clear from New Zealanders that they want tougher protections for dogs,” said Hoggard. “The SPCA tells us this is a common issue, and I know how deeply Kiwis value strong animal welfare standards. With one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, we must ensure we meet that responsibility.”
When Hoggard first took office, he reviewed four draft regulations but raised concerns over their enforceability and real-world impact. He instructed officials to revise the proposals in partnership with the SPCA, incorporating feedback from public consultations to strengthen the measures.
The refined proposals were recently presented to Cabinet and have now received full support, marking a significant step forward in advancing the welfare of tethered dogs.
“These are essential regulations, and we wanted to get them right,” Hoggard said. “The majority of dog owners already do the right thing, so these rules are unlikely to affect them. But for the minority who neglect their animals, these changes will allow authorities to step in more effectively.”
Under the new regulations, inspectors will have clearer authority to intervene when a dog is suffering due to being tied up for extended periods, a practice linked to physical harm and psychological distress in animals.
Implementation is expected by the end of the year, following final legislative steps. A brief transitional phase will follow, focused on educating dog owners about the new rules and giving them time to make any necessary adjustments.
“This is about better outcomes for animals,” Hoggard said. “It’s about giving inspectors the right tools and ensuring that every dog in New Zealand is treated with the care and dignity it deserves.”