Abstract: An anchoring device having a clasp region and a closure means for rapid release, a body for grasping, and an attachment means for receiving a tethering means such as a lead, leash, rope or the like, is provided. The clasp region has a gateway opening at its outer most tip. The closure means is preferably a spring biased rotary arm actuated by a thumb nub which allows rapid release in the direction to of pull of a harness, belt, or rope when a portion of the aforesaid is encircled by the clasp and the thumb nub is actuated. While the inventive anchoring device may be used in a variety of ways such as for rock climbing or industrial safety harnesses, the anchoring device is especially useful for animal husbandry where restraining devices, such as for example, leads or leashes used to guide animals, are terminated by clasps.