An Illinois alderman is hoping stricter ordinances about tethers and leashes will keep pets safer and happier.
Alderman John Beck recognized a widespread concern for animal welfare when a dog that wasn’t on a leash ran up and attacked another dog in his ward. It’s a situation that dog owners see far too often, but emergency vet bills haven’t deterred owners from allowing their dogs to roam freely.
Animal advocates stress the importance of leashes while explaining an unleashed dog’s friendly temperament and good training isn’t enough to prevent an attack or accident. All dogs react differently to having a strange animal come up to them off-leash, and owners of dogs that are skittish and territorial want to protect everyone from those unpredictable reactions. Beck proposes a local law that will protect all dogs and their owners by keeping them from “running at large.” Dogs not on their owner’s property will be required to be on leash.
At the same time, Beck believes dogs that spend extended amounts of time at the end of a tether are being deprived by their owners. He said forcing an animal to live its life on the end of a rope is “cruel,” and his second proposal is to put strict limits on how long a dog can be tied up.
The community is still waiting on whether or not the animal welfare ordinances will be made official, but there are many residents who stand strong in their support of Beck’s ideas. There is no state-wide restriction or guideline when it comes to leash laws and tethering in Illinois. The state government leaves it up to local communities, and Beck’s ward, which includes Rockford and neighboring towns. would be one of only a few areas to take an official stand on the subject.
If the proposals pass a local vote, violators will face up to a $300 fine for a first offense. Beck and his supporters believe it’s a fair price to encourage residents to protect their pets.
