diff --git a/docs/changelog.txt b/docs/changelog.txt
index 709890e662..2cdbd3b9af 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.txt
+++ b/docs/changelog.txt
@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ Template for new versions:
 - `preserve-rooms`: don't erroneously release reservations for units that have returned from their missions but have not yet entered the fort map
 - `preserve-rooms`: handle case where unit records are culled by DF immediately after a unit leaves the map
 - `preserve-tombs`: properly re-enable after loading a game that had the tool enabled
+- `zone`: assign animal to cage/restraint dialog now allows you to unassign a pet from the cage or restraint if the pet is already somehow assigned (e.g.  war dog was in cage and was subsequently assigned to a dwarf)
 
 ## Misc Improvements
 - `strangemood`: add ability to choose Stone Cutting and Stone Carving as the mood skill
diff --git a/plugins/lua/zone.lua b/plugins/lua/zone.lua
index 94db5236c0..91a0cff384 100644
--- a/plugins/lua/zone.lua
+++ b/plugins/lua/zone.lua
@@ -798,7 +798,10 @@ function AssignAnimal:toggle_item_base(choice, target_value, bld_assignments)
         return target_value
     end
 
-    if self.initial_min_disposition ~= DISPOSITION.PET.value and choice.data.disposition == DISPOSITION.PET.value then
+    if self.initial_min_disposition ~= DISPOSITION.PET.value and
+        choice.data.disposition == DISPOSITION.PET.value and
+        choice.data.status ~= true_value
+    then
         return target_value
     end
 
@@ -1114,7 +1117,7 @@ local CAGE_STATUS = {
     ASSIGNED_HERE={label='Assigned here', value=1},
     PASTURED={label='In pasture', value=2},
     PITTED={label='In pit/pond', value=3},
-    RESTRAINED={label='On other chain', value=4},
+    RESTRAINED={label='On restraint', value=4},
     BUILT_CAGE={label='In built cage', value=5},
     ITEM_CAGE={label='In stockpiled cage', value=6},
     ROAMING={label='Roaming', value=7},
@@ -1142,9 +1145,6 @@ local function get_cage_status(unit_or_vermin, bld_assignments)
     end
     local built_chain = get_built_chain(unit_or_vermin)
     if built_chain then
-        if bld and bld == built_chain then
-            return CAGE_STATUS.ASSIGNED_HERE.value
-        end
         return CAGE_STATUS.RESTRAINED.value
     end
     local assigned_zone_ref = get_general_ref(unit_or_vermin, df.general_ref_type.BUILDING_CIVZONE_ASSIGNED)