Government proposes fines for owners who confine dogs for long periods

Thursday 8 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 8 Oct, 6:30pm

In this story SPCA, Andrew Hoggard

The Government has proposed new rules allowing SPCA inspectors to issue $500 fines to owners who keep dogs in crates or kennels for prolonged periods. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard announced the proposal to better equip inspectors to penalise those whose animals are harmed by confinement.

How they headlined it

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1. RNZThu 8 Oct, 11:00am

   Government probes 'nasty' dog care services, proposes confinement fines (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 8 Oct, 12:27pm

   Dog owners who shut animals away for long periods face new fine (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 8 Oct, 6:30pm

   Government probes ‘nasty’ dog care, proposes confinement fines (opens in new tab)