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Tethering is where an animal is fastened by a chain to a central anchor point, causing it to be confined to a specific area. Tethering is sometimes used as a method of confining grazing farm animals (such as horses, donkeys, sheep, goats or cattle) under conditions which may otherwise cause them injury, endanger them in some way or permit them to stray. Tethering is often used on an individual basis to allow a grazing animal to access pasture/feed in unfenced areas Farm animals should only be tethered when there is no alternative means of confinement. It should only be carried out on a temporary basis and only for short periods of time. Tethered animals may become distressed if isolated from conspecifics for long periods. More humane methods of confining an animal to a specific area such as a secure yard or fenced paddock should be considered before tethering. All tethered animals must be provided with food, water, shelter and regular, daily exercise off the tether in a safe environment.
Animals should be trained to be tethered before being left alone on a tether. Chain tethers should be used as they provide greater security; rope and other tethers may fray, break and tangle. Animals such as horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, cattle and farm dogs should never be tethered in conditions where they are vulnerable to extreme heat, severe cold, driving rain or predators.
Things to consider when tethering a farm animal:
A suitable tethering site should:
Type of tether
The following farm animals must not be tethered:
In certain states/territories it is illegal to tether certain types of animals and it is also illegal to tether under certain conditions. Please see the article below titled "What is the Australian legislation governing animal welfare?" for more information.
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