The thesis deals with the topic of tethering dogs from the perspective of animal welfare and legislation. The aim of the study was to determine how long-term tethering affects the physical and mental health of dogs and to what extent this issue is covered by Slovenian and international legislation. In the theoretical part, the basic ethological needs of dogs and the effects of tethering on the fulfilment of their needs for social interaction, communication, exercise and exploration of the environment are presented. A review of the literature has shown that long-term tethering prevents the expression of natural behaviours and significantly impairs animal welfare, as it mainly leads to negative effects such as frustration, chronic stress, behavioural disorders, physical injuries, exposure to extreme weather conditions and increased susceptibility to diseases. The legal framework in Slovenia is analysed, where the Animal Welfare Act and the Regulations for the Protection of Pet Animals define the conditions under which tethering is allowed. A comparison with the legislation of the member states of the European Union shows considerable differences: In some countries, tethering is strictly restricted or even prohibited, while in others it is still permitted under certain conditions. The experts' recommendations repeatedly emphasise that tethering should not be a primary method of keeping dogs, but only a short-term solution in exceptional cases. The conclusion of this work is that tethering has a negative impact on the welfare of dogs. Therefore, greater public awareness, increased monitoring and more effective legal measures are needed.
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