We have all seen the images of dogs who live their lives outside, tethered to something. Many times, they are abuse cases – dogs that are neglected, skinny, no visible access to food, water, or shelter. Often, their collars and chains are embedded into their coat. The site is gut-wrenching.
These are the images that have led to a unanimous vote Monday night in Springfield, Missouri to pass a law saying NO DOG CAN BE TETHERED OUTSIDE FOR LONGER THAN 30 MINUTES.
The 30 minute limit was decided upon for owners to tie their dog outside for the sole purpose of a safe potty break – they don’t want their dog running away.
Springfield is not the first city to impose this law – in face the Springfield-Greene County Health Department used verbiage from other laws to form theirs, which can be found here.
The Humane Society of The United States (HSUS) explains on their website why laws such as these are important to prevent cruelty and abuse as well as dog bites:
“Tethering has been proven to be a high risk factor in serious dog bites and attacks. Tethering is unsafe for dogs and for the public, and it is important for advocates and officials to understand this connection, so they can incorporate tethering regulations into effective community dog management strategies”
However, they also note that the public shouldn’t rely on law enforcement to catch offenders, but should be diligent and report anyone they see that is breaking the law. Know a chained dog? Check out the HSUS’s page on what you should do here.
Finally, if you are interested in passing a law in your community, check out the HSUS pdf on that as well.
(H/T: ky3.com)
Toledo, United States.