Prolonged tethering and confinement of dogs is a significant animal welfare issue in New Zealand. Prolonged tethering and confinement lead to ongoing welfare harms due to the dog’s inability to express normal patterns of behaviour, including exercise, socialisation and threat avoidance. Tethered animals may not be able to access sufficient shelter or adequate and continuous access to appropriate feed and water. SPCA is concerned about the dangers associated with tethering animals including; entanglement and resulting injury or strangulation, severe collar injuries, and tethered animals being vulnerable to humans or other animals who might harass or attack them. Dogs who have experienced prolonged tethering or confinement may develop behavioural problems including abnormal repetitive behaviours, reactivity and generalised anxiety.

The current legislative and regulatory framework restricts the ability of animal welfare inspectors to intervene in cases of prolonged tethering or confinement of dogs, where the dog has access to food, water and shelter and there are no obvious signs of injuries or other physical harm. Regulations are directly enforceable meaning a regulation that focuses on prolonged tethering and confinement of dogs, would allow inspectors to intervene more effectively.

Prolonged tethering and confinement are distinct from intermittent or occasional confinement or tethering. For example, working dogs are often intermittently kept in kennels between periods of exercise, and some dog owners who may not have the resources to provide a securely fenced area instead may choose to use a tether for periods of the day.

SPCA advocates for animals to be provided with a properly fenced area which allows them to have a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and their physical, health, and behavioural needs are met.

Animals should be provided with a properly fenced area which allows them: adequate space to move around and express normal behaviours, the ability to interact with other animals where appropriate, suitable shelter from all conditions, and access to adequate food and clean water.

Our organisation acknowledges the short term tethering or confinement may be used as part of veterinary orcare procedures.

Animals may need to be confined as part of recovery from an injury or procedure. When it is necessary to temporarily use a tether, specific care must be taken to select a type and length which ensures that the animal is prevented from likely or actual harm.