It’s October and we’re back with plenty to share - including the exciting news of the appointment of our first CEO, Pete Monk. You’ll also find five on-demand webinar recordings packed with insights for pet owners, information on new cat bylaws and new dog tethering regulations, plus a surprisingly fascinating read about dog poop (yes, really!). |
We’re delighted to share the appointment of Pete Monk as our first Chief Executive Officer, starting 10 November 2025.
This is a significant milestone for CANZ as we strengthen our leadership and sharpen our focus on improving the lives of Aotearoa’s companion animals and their guardians.
Pete brings extensive leadership experience from his career in marketing, communications, and strategic management. He previously served as General Manager of Fly Buys, where he helped grow one of New Zealand’s most recognised loyalty programmes through strong partnerships and innovative customer initiatives. More recently, Pete has held governance and leadership roles across conservation, tourism marketing, and community organisations, including as a trustee for Zealandia (Karori Sanctuary Trust).
|
While his professional background is in marketing and communications, Pete is excited to immerse himself in the world of animal welfare and lead CANZ through this next chapter.
“I’m excited to join CANZ at such a pivotal moment. The organisation already has a strong reputation for bringing together diverse stakeholders to strengthen welfare outcomes,” Pete says.
“I look forward to drawing on the knowledge and passion of the CANZ team as we continue building a better future for New Zealand’s companion animals and their guardians.” |
|
|
Please join us in welcoming Pete (and his dog Indy 🐾) to the CANZ team! |
Recordings now up - webinar series |
We’re pleased to have brought Season 2 of our 'Misbehaviour or Misunderstood?' webinar series to hundreds of live attendees recently. Following the success of last year’s sessions, this season once again delved into the complex world of companion animal behaviour, with insights from accredited trainers, behaviour consultants, veterinary behaviourists and overseas experts. You can catch up on all of these at your leisure via our YouTube channel links below. We also did a recap article with some of the answers to questions from the live sessions.
|
Maria Alomajan, Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and Accredited Trainer, shares how a dog’s development – from puppyhood to adolescence and beyond – can shape their recall, and why that magical first choice to come matters so much. With clear strategies and easy explanations of training concepts, she shows how to build (or rebuild) reliable recall in dogs of any age. |
|
|
Angela Fletcher, CANZ-accredited animal training instructor, talks about the relationship between babies, toddlers, and dogs and how this requires a significant adjustment for everyone involved. Discover how to ease the transition, reduce stress, and help build a lifelong bond between your child and your dog—ensuring they can live together safely and happily. |
|
|
Dr Jess Beer discusses how advances in veterinary care mean our pets are living longer, bringing age-related health challenges. In this webinar, she explores how to support ageing cats and dogs through early disease detection, pain management, enrichment, and practical tips to keep them happy and comfortable. |
|
|
In this session, three leading experts explore the fascinating world of animal emotions and communication across horses, cats, and dogs. Gabriel Lencioni, Britt Florkiewicz, and Holly Molinaro feature in three short talks share practical, science-based strategies to help us recognise emotional cues - and Dr Gosia Zobel joins to answer questions also. |
|
|
Debbie Jacobs, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and author of A Guide To Living With And Training A Fearful Dog, shares evidence-based strategies for helping fearful, shy, anxious, or reactive dogs. She introduces key principles of behaviour to support at-risk dogs humanely and effectively. |
|
|
Far North and Kaikōura join growing cat bylaw trend |
Both the Far North District Council and the Kaikōura District Council have recently adopted new animal bylaws that make microchipping, registering, and desexing compulsory for cats over four months (Far North) and 16 weeks (Kaikōura).
In Kaikōura, the bylaw takes effect from 1 October 2025 with a grace period until 1 October 2026, and both bylaws include exemptions for registered breeders or where desexing isn’t suitable for health reasons.
The SPCA is helping make the Northland transition smoother with free desexing and microchipping programmes - ensuring every family has access to these important services.
We’re proud to have supported both consultations and to see councils taking strong steps towards responsible pet guardianship and better welfare for cats and communities alike. We were also pleased to see positive updates in Kaikōura’s dog control policy following our submission. |
New dog tethering rules now in effect |
From 25 September, new regulations are in place to protect dogs from prolonged, harmful tethering. These regulations aren’t aimed at responsible dog owners - they’re designed to protect dogs in situations where, until now, inspectors haven’t had the legal tools to step in.
⭕𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝗔 – 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
It will now be an offence to tether a dog if two or more “signs of prolonged tethering” are present. Examples include ground worn bare, buildup of faeces, injuries from the tether, locked collars, fly strike dermatitis, or behavioural signs like constant pacing or barking.
⭕𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟱𝗕 – 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀
Tethering vulnerable dogs (puppies under 6 months, pregnant or nursing dogs, dogs in heat) will only be allowed in very short, supervised situations (e.g. for vet care or brief necessary tasks). Otherwise it’s prohibited.
➡️𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗯𝗮𝗻
Dogs can still be tethered for periods of time - as long as they’re not showing signs of harm, and especially not vulnerable dogs outside the allowed exceptions.
📖𝗘𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Inspectors will begin with a focus on education, helping people understand the new rules. But in serious or non-compliant cases, infringement fines can be issued ($500 for prolonged tethering, $300 for vulnerable dog violations). Importantly, the regulations give inspectors clearer legal backing to step in earlier where harmful tethering is occurring.
❓𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆
If you suspect a dog is tethered in breach of the rules (signs of harm, vulnerable dog, etc.), SPCA encourages you to submit a welfare complaint via their website or contact your local SPCA centre.
|
Survey results: Attitudes towards outdoor access for cats |
Earlier this year, you may have taken part in our survey exploring attitudes to cats having outdoor access - and the results are now in with this recently published study! With nearly 1,850 people sharing their views, the findings shine a light on how respondents balance cat welfare, safety, and environmental impact. |
From the fact that around 90% of cats still have some outdoor access, to the generational and urban–rural differences in attitudes, the study offers fascinating insights into what shapes our decisions as pet owners.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part - you’ve helped contribute to growing research on this sometimes polarising topic. |
|
|
Why do some cats like water?
Cats and water: it’s a love-hate relationship that has puzzled pet owners for decades. But why do some cats seem to be okay in water? The answer lies in a mix of biology, history, and individual personality.
|
|
Poop to Pollution: Why Dog Waste Matters
It might not be the most glamorous side of dog life, but dog poo is no joke – it can actually cause real harm to people, wildlife, and our environment. Here’s why...
Read more> |
|
Training your cat to like their carrier
Did you know you can train your cat to see their carrier as a safe, familiar space? Our latest article shares how.
|
|
|
Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal information and will not share it with third parties without your consent. |
|
|
|
|
