You’ve probably seen the photos of neglected or abused dogs tied up to something within a bare yard with no shelter. We all know that using a dog chain in that way is not kind, safe, fair, or acceptable. But is the idea of chaining a dog cruel in and of itself?
Here we look at the ins and outs of chaining your dog.
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NZ Government bans prolonged tethering of dogs
Concerns about the impact of prolonged chaining aren’t just theoretical – they’ve shaped public debate and now government policy.
Associate Agriculture Minister Hon Andrew Hoggard recently announced new regulations banning the prolonged tethering of dogs. The rules, which come into effect on 25 September, are an amendment to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.
Minister Hoggard said prolonged tethering “causes significant distress to dogs, affecting their health by limiting their freedom to move and perform normal behaviours”. According to SPCA data, tethering and confinement issues account for around 10% of dog-related welfare complaints, with daily calls from the public.
Under the new regulations:
- a person must not tether a dog by a rope, line, or chain attached to a fixed point for extended periods where they suffer harm.
- certain categories of vulnerable dogs including puppies and pregnant dogs cannot be tethered at all except in a few exceptional cases, for example when visitors such as a tradesperson or other animals are on the owner’s property temporarily.
- There are exceptions to the new rules – for example, working dogs such as farm dogs provided they are regularly off-tether and receive adequate exercise.
The rules give animal welfare inspectors new powers to issue infringements when a chained dog in NZ is found to be suffering harm from being tied up for long periods.
These changes underline how serious the risks of prolonged chaining can be – but they don’t mean there are never situations where a dog chain might be used responsibly. Understanding that difference is essential.
Why would you need to use a dog chain?
All dog owners have a duty to control their dogs and ensure they do not cause harm to other people or animals. The best way to do that is to keep them on a secure property they can’t escape from and then use dog leashes and leads when out walking.
However, there are instances where a dog might need to be secured via chaining or tethering. If a responsible pet parent opts for this, it would be to keep the dog safe or perhaps to keep an aggressive dog away from other dogs or people (e.g. children) during certain situations.
If you do choose to go down the route of using a dog chain or tether from time to time, it needs to be done with careful consideration and supervision. Every time.
Is chaining your dog cruel?
Dogs are social animals. As companion animals, it’s completely natural for them to bond with humans and other dogs. So, their natural tendency is to seek company and interaction both from their four-legged and two-legged friends.
Depriving a dog from socialisation and human companionship by keeping them on a chain or rope over prolonged periods will lead to behavioural problems and is cruel. No question.
If a dog is tied up and doesn’t have their basic needs fulfilled, then there is cruelty and neglect at play. These are signs of animal abuse. When tethered, dogs should have access to food, water, and shelter at a very minimum. And they should be spending plenty of time off the tether, for their physical and mental health.
If they’re chained to prevent dog aggression or biting, the owner should be working with a professional to help evaluate and rectify the behaviour.
If a dog owner is not willing or able to deal with a dog’s problematic behaviour and uses tethering as a problem solver (for them, not the dog!) or is using it as a method of punishment, it may well be time for a welfare organisation to intervene.
They’ll help rehome the dog to a more suitable environment where they will get the love, care and attention they deserve.
Here’s how to report animal abuse appropriately.
What are the dangers of tethering a dog?
Beyond isolation and loss of socialisation, the dangers of using a dog chain include:
- Preventing the dog from escaping predators
- Not allowing dogs the opportunity to retreat from other real or perceived threats (which can lead to fear and aggression)
- Exposure to extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions which can cause hypothermia, heat exhaustion, stroke, and more
- Lack of exercise which can cause obesity and related health conditions like diabetes in dogs
- Strangling or choking
Have you spotted a situation where an animal is chained, and you believe it to be animal abuse or neglect? Don’t turn a blind eye! Reach out to the appropriate authority. Many chained dog rescue teams are dedicated to helping in situations like this.
How you can use a dog chain safely (when absolutely necessary)
There are some circumstances in which you might need to use a dog tether for a limited time. For instance, if you need to secure your dog temporarily while they’re with you on holiday. Or to stop your dog from escaping during a move or renovations.
Better options include holiday pet care (read about kennels vs pet sitters), doggy daycare, or a dedicated room indoors.
However, if you need to tether your dog for a short period of time, following these steps will help you do it safely:
- Only use a dog chain or tie when there is someone to supervise your dog
- Make sure there’s nothing in the immediate area that your dog could get hooked on or caught up in. This could lead to choking, friction wounds, and even suffocation
- Keep the chain long enough for your dog to have plenty of room. They’ll need to walk around, sit in the shade, reach their food bowl and fresh water, etc
- Take your dog for walks and playtime often and allow as much time as possible off the chain. This should be at least once a day but ideally much more
- Provide adequate shelter for your dog
- Make sure there’s enough fresh water and food available at all times
- Give your dog something to play with to alleviate boredom
- Give them lots of attention and love!
And remember, a dog chain is never a mid- or long-term solution. It should only be used in a pinch, and only for short periods until a better option is found.
Another way to protect the dog you care for
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