03/09/2025
Please note!
Key changes for canine owners include:
🐾 Dogs must not be tethered for extended periods where this causes harm.
🐾 Vulnerable dogs – including puppies and pregnant dogs – cannot be tethered except in exceptional circumstances.
🐾 Animal welfare inspectors can now issue infringements where dogs are found to be suffering harm from long-term tethering.
Some exceptions remain, such as for working dogs, provided they are regularly off-tether and receive adequate exercise.
After years of advocacy, the Government has confirmed new rules aimed at preventing the prolonged tethering of dogs, which take effect on 25 September 2025. A huge shout-out to our Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV) Committee, who played a central role in this effort, and to , whose tireless work has been instrumental in driving change. The NZVA provided veterinary expertise both before and after the consultation process, ensuring the regulations are informed by best-practice animal welfare standards.
Key changes include:
🐾 Dogs must not be tethered for extended periods where this causes harm.
🐾 Vulnerable dogs – including puppies and pregnant dogs – cannot be tethered except in exceptional circumstances.
🐾 Animal welfare inspectors can now issue infringements where dogs are found to be suffering harm from long-term tethering.
Some exceptions remain, such as for working dogs, provided they are regularly off-tether and receive adequate exercise.
