PEOPLE OF WYOMING!! Stop Animal Abuse! Help set limits on dog tethering.
- by: Kathy Parsley
- recipient: Wyoming Senator Charles Scott
Many chained or penned dogs are seriously neglected. They lack fresh, unfrozen water, adequate housing, hygiene and the most basic veterinary care, including vaccinations required by law. Every winter such dogs are found frozen to death. At other times of the year they may be left to starve until they die. Chaining is not only inhumane for dogs, but has taken a severe toll on this nation’s children. Hundred of children are killed or seriously injured by chained dogs every year across the country. Chained dogs, unsocialized with humans, can become very territorial of their tiny space, and any two year old who wanders into this space can be attacked and killed before adults can intervene. Furthermore, researchers are confirming the link between animal abuse and neglect and abuse and neglect of children and perpetration of future crimes. Austria is the latest nation to ban the chaining of dogs, completely prohibiting the practice. Connecticut is the first state in the nation to limit chaining, California and several other states have also set time limits on chaining. Texas has banned chaining altogether. There are over 120 communities or counties in at least 35 states with limits and bans on chaining. Our state needs to be a part of this growing movement to eliminate chaining of dogs.
Senator Charles Scott
PROPOSED DRAFT ANTI-TETHERING ORDINANCE
Given that improper tethering and care of dogs is inhumane and is often made worse by prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions; and given that improper tethering of dogs can be injurious and life threatening to dogs; it is hereby proposed:
As used in this ordinance:
(a) “ tether or “tethering”” means to restrain a dog by tying the dog to any object or structure, including, but not limited to, a house, tree, fence, post, pole, garage, or shed or similar structure or object, by any means, including, but not limited to, a chain, rope, cord, leash, or running line. “Tethering” shall not include using a leash to walk a dog.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether a dog while the dog is outdoors, or within any structure not the dog owner’s home, except when all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The dog is in visual range of a responsible party.
(2) The tether is connected to the dog by a buckle-type collar or a body harness made of nylon or leather, not less than one inch in width.
(3) The tether has the following properties: it is at least five times the length of the dog's body, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail; it terminates at both ends with a swivel; it does not weigh more than
1/8 of the dog's weight. The tether shall be no less than ten (10) feet in length.
(4) The dog is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
(5) The dog is not outside during a period of extreme weather, including without limitation extreme heat or near-freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, or hurricanes.
(6) The dog has access to water, shelter, and dry ground.
(7) The dog is at least six (6) months of age. Puppies shall not be tethered.
(8) The dog is not sick or injured.
(9) Pulley, running line, or trolley systems are at least 15 feet in length and are less than 7 feet above the ground.
(10) If there are multiple dogs, each dog is tethered separately.
No person shall, at any time, fasten, chain or tie any dog or cause such dog to be fastened, chained or tied while such dog is on the owner's property or on the property of the dog owner’s landlord or lessor. Provided, however, a dog may be tethered to allow for the cleaning of the dog's enclosure or while the owner is outside with the dog and is in visual contact of the animal at all times to prevent injury to the dog.
Any dog confined within a fenced yard must have adequate space for exercise of at least 100 square feet. Provided, further, that where dogs are kept or housed on property without a fenced yard, the owner of the dog or persons having custody of the dog shall provide an area for the dog to exercise of at least 100 square feet. If it is necessary to tether the dog for such exercise, the provisions set forth above regarding tethering shall apply. Additionally, the owner or other person having custody of the dog shall provide an enclosure for the dog to allow the dog shelter from the elements as described herein. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of the enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements including, but not limited to, excessive heat or cold temperatures, excessive rain or snow, and excessive wind.
The shelter shall be sufficient to allow the animal to remain dry and protected from the elements as described above. Such shelter shall be fully enclosed on three sides, roofed and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the animal's entry and exit, and sturdy enough to block entry of wind and rain. The shelter shall be small enough to retain the animal's body heat and large enough to allow the animal to stand and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair.
The ordinance, which will take effect by_________________, additionally prohibits any dog to be chained for more than 12 hours per day, and at no time between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
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