It will soon be illegal for Texas dog owners to chain their pets outdoors.
Anton Deev / Getty Images / iStockphotoCome early January, it will be illegal for texan dog owners to chain their animals outside. Governor Greg Abbott signed a law in October to help ensure more humane care for pets. Violations are considered a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $ 500, depending on the Invoice.
The Safe Outdoor Dog Act (or Senate Bill 5) prohibits the use of chains to tie dogs outdoors and mandates such necessities as shelter, shade and water. clean water. Under the new law, dog owners can only use humane tethers such as trolley systems or ziplines and all permitted tethers must be attached to a properly fitted collar or harness.
Collars for dogs are to be made of “materials specially designed to be placed around a dog’s neck”, although it does not specify which materials, according to the Texas Tribune. Restraints should also not be less than five times the length of the dog. The law also states that dogs must be protected from “inclement weather”, which includes rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, extremely low temperatures, or extremely high temperatures.
According to City of Saint-Antoine, the bill reflects two local ordinances already in force and further supports their application by increasing penalties for repeat offenders. Residents who have previously been convicted of the law may face a Class B misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 180 days in the county jail or a fine of up to $ 2,000.
The new law will come into force on January 18.
