New dog tethering regulations that come into effect this month are being celebrated by the SPCA, and a local pup is looking for a new home after recovering from being tethered.

From September 25, dogs must not be tethered if it results in observable signs of suffering linked to the prolonged tethering.

Certain categories of vulnerable dogs including puppies and pregnant dogs cannot be tethered at all apart from in a few exceptional cases.

The rules will enable animal welfare inspectors to issue infringements when they identify a dog is suffering harm from being tied up for long periods.

Today, Jackson is a happy, energetic puppy that loves interacting with people. He’s about six months old and making the most of the yard at Whakatāne SPCA.

It’s a far cry from how he was found in June at Edgecumbe Rugby Club with a rope embedded in his neck after what is believed to have been prolonged tethering.

He was taken to the vets to get the rope removed, the wound cleaned and stitched up.

Jackson has now healed and is described by staff as a full-on, boisterous pup.

He is ready for adoption and would thrive in an active home that does not have young children.

Jackson is an example of why SPCA pushed for law change around the prolonged tethering of dogs.

The SPCA first called for the regulations in 2015, but the final regulations released in 2018 did not address prolonged tethering or confinement of dogs.

From 2021, the organisation called for amendments to the regulations and then launched the Break the Chain campaign, and 15,000 people co-signed a letter to the Minister for Animal Welfare in 2023 demanding decisive action from the government.

Minister Andrew Hoggard announced new regulations last month, saying that prolonged tethering causes significant distress to dogs, affecting their health by limiting their freedom to move and perform normal behaviours.

“Prolonged confinement and tethering of dogs is one of the most common areas investigated by SPCA. They tell me they receive daily calls about it, and it accounts for about 10 per cent of dog-related welfare complaints. That’s why we’re putting a stop to it.

“The new rules target dog owners who do not let their dogs off tether to receive sufficient exercise to maintain their health and wellbeing.

“Responsible dog owners who love and care for their animals and regularly take them out for walks won’t be affected by the new rules.”

SPCA scientific officer Dr Alison Vaughan said the regulations send a loud message that long-term chaining of dogs is not acceptable in our society.

“This is a long-fought and hard-won victory for dogs across Aotearoa. These new regulations are the outcome of years of hard work by SPCA’s advocacy function.

“Too many dogs have suffered, chained for months, years, or even their whole lives. This is simply the right thing to do. Dogs deserve to be part of the family, not chained up and forgotten.”

Dr Vaughan said the SPCA remained committed to advocating for regulations to address prolonged confinement (caging).