25/09/2025
🐾 Important update for dog guardians in NZ 🐶
New dog tethering regulations come into effect today, aimed at protecting dogs from harm and giving inspectors clearer powers to step in when needed.
Check out this post for a great overview of what’s changed and what it means for dog owners.
🚨 New Dog Tethering Rules in Effect Today (25 Sept 2025) 🐶
From today, new dog tethering regulations under the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations are active in New Zealand.
These rules aren’t about banning tethering entirely - they’re about preventing harm and protecting dogs. SPCA New Zealand have put together some great FAQs you can read on this at the bottom of this post - but here's a quick summary:
⭕𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝗔 – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
It will now be an offence to tether a dog if two or more “signs of prolonged tethering” are present. Examples include ground worn bare, buildup of faeces, injuries from the tether, locked collars, fly strike dermatitis, or behavioural signs like constant pacing or barking.
⭕𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝗕 – 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀
Tethering vulnerable dogs (puppies under 6 months, pregnant or nursing dogs, dogs in heat) will only be allowed in very short, supervised situations (e.g. for vet care or brief necessary tasks). Otherwise it’s prohibited.
➡️𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗻
Dogs can still be tethered for periods of time - as long as they’re not showing signs of harm, and especially not vulnerable dogs outside the allowed exceptions.
📖𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Inspectors will begin with a focus on education, helping people understand the new rules. But in serious or non-compliant cases, infringement fines can be issued ($500 for prolonged tethering, $300 for vulnerable dog violations). Importantly, the regulations give inspectors clearer legal backing to step in earlier where harmful tethering is occurring.
❓𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆
If you suspect a dog is tethered in breach of the rules (signs of harm, vulnerable dog, etc.), SPCA encourages you to submit a welfare complaint via their website or contact your local SPCA centre.
These regulations aren’t aimed at responsible dog owners - they’re designed to protect dogs in situations where, until now, inspectors haven’t had the legal tools to step in.
If you’re a dog guardian, now is a great time to double-check how and where your dog is tethered - make sure it’s safe, supervised, and doesn’t show signs of stress or physical harm.
SPCA FAQ: https://www.spca.nz/news-and-events/news-article/dog-tethering-regulations-faqs
