Another step forward – Stronger laws will help protect dogs kept outdoors   

Advocating on behalf of animals who can’t speak for themselves has been at the heart of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s mission since 1873, which is why we are encouraged by recent amendments to provincial legislation that will help protect dogs who are kept outdoors.  

Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act O. Reg 444/19 was updated in April 2022. This is the provincial legislation that addresses all dogs being kept outdoors, including working dogs and livestock guardians. The Ontario SPCA was invited to share input on these updates, and many of our recommendations were accepted.  

 Here are just a few of the wins we are celebrating:   

• Dogs tethered outdoors for 23 hours in a 24-hour period must be taken off their tether for at least 60 continuous minutes to give them time for enrichment and exercise.   
• Sick or injured dogs are no longer allowed to be tethered   

• Standards for dog bedding have been increased to 3 inches   
• Caregivers must provide veterinary recommendations in writing should their animal not receive exercise due to being sick/injured  
• A choke collar, pinch collar, prong collar, slip collar, head halter collar or martingale collar must not be used with a tether on a dog kept outdoors.  

  These updates to the Act are wonderful to see, but there is more work to be done. If you want to make a difference for animals and help create a better future, visit ChangeForAnimals.ca to sign up for more ways you can get involved in creating change for animals.