Support paws in for campaign to 'break the chain'

A campaign being run by Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animalshas support from Canterbury dog lovers.

The campaign is asking for public support to change the law that allows long-term tethering and confinement of dogs in New Zealand.

So far, almost 20,000 supporters, including the North Canterbury Kennel Association, have answered that call.

The Government confirmed last week that it will meet with the SPCA on the issue.

Secretary of the association, Karen McIntyre, says its members "certainly support" the campaign.

The SPCA is calling for a full commitment from Government to make the legislative change needed to help the thousands of dogs who are spending their lives on chains or confined to small areas. Photo: Getty

"However, we do firmly believe that education prior to dog ownership is one of the key principles that should be embraced.

"The Animal Welfare Act's code of welfare is an excellent guide for owners and it should be used in conjunction with a licensing scheme for owners – not just their dogs."

SPCA chief executive Andrea Midgen said every year "we are heartbroken" by the hundreds of dogs we see spending their lives on chains or locked up in tiny spaces.

"This is why we are asking the Government to change the law right now as the physical and mental suffering these animals are experiencing is unacceptable."

SPCA national inspectorate manager Alan Wilson said legislation makes it incredibly difficult for inspectors to intervene unless there are signs of physical suffering, such as injury, or a lack of food or water.

"The physical and psychological harm these animals are facing due to being chained up or confined in a small pen all their lives, is a huge welfare issue," he says.

"Being powerless to intervene is one of the toughest parts of the job for inspectors."

Find out more about the SPCA’s Break the Chain campaign here.

- By Shelley Topp