New tethering laws in Texas - Page 1

I am not sure if this is prohibiting the use of prong,choke and pinch collars altogether or only banning them when tethering a dog  with less than the required length. This goes into effect 9-01-07

Bill No. HB 1411 Introduced By: Buddy West (R – Dist. 81)
Subject: Relating to the unlawful restraint (tethering) of a dog.
Bill Analysis: This bill prohibits an owner from tethering a dog outside between the hours of 10 PM and 6 AM and during extreme weather conditions. The bill also prohibits the use of a pinchtype, prong-type or choke-type collar and a tether that is shorter than 5 times the length of the dog or 10 feet, whichever is the lesser.
FINAL ACTION: PASSED

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED     AN ACT

              relating to the unlawful restraint of dogs; providing penalties.

                     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

                     SECTION 1.  Chapter 821, Health and Safety Code, is amended by adding Subchapter D to read as follows:

              SUBCHAPTER D. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG

                     Sec. 821.076.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

                           (1)  "Collar" means any collar constructed of nylon,leather, or similar material, specifically designed to be used for a dog.

                           (2)  "Owner" means a person who owns or has custody or control of a dog.

                           (3)  "Properly fitted" means, with respect to a collar,a collar that measures the circumference of a dog's neck plus at least one inch.

                           (4)  "Restraint" means a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.

cont

ok since I cant get more than about 6 lines at a time on here and it is a long document, here is the link :)

www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/80R/billtext/html/HB01411E.htm

I hate tied out dogs also.  I do know that if this law was passed where I live, the owners would just allow them to run free.  I would really prefer

they be tied than loose.   Very few would go to the expense of putting in a fence or kennel.   Loose dogs is already a nightmare where I live.  My

neighbor had 2 free roaming labs, and a mastiff mix.   It wasn't until the 3 finally attacked and badly injured a neighbors dog that the animal

control and hefty vet fees convinced them to keep the 3 chained.  Thank God for that, they terroized our neighborhood, even climbing my fenced in

yard to steal toys when my dogs were indoors.  I can't imagine a law like this doing much good.  The responsible folk will be the only ones to 

follow it, and they aren't usually the ones with a dog tied on a short chain in the first place. 

Did this law help in California? 

I would not sell a puppy or dog to somebody I knew had no other method of containment but to be tied out.  However, I woud much rather see a good tethering system then a lose dog. 

I do not believe in tethering a dog an just leaving in the backyard with no human contact or love. Many of these dog are not treated well by people at any time in their life. Veterinary care is rare for these dogs.  But I don't believe any dog should be left alone and ignored wether tied, kenneled or loose in a backyard.

At first I thought the California anti-tethering law was good, until I really looked at it. Under this law you can't tether a dog while camping for more than three hours even if the tether is as big as the campsite and you are with the dog. I have yet to see a campground that wants the dogs running loose. 

All competing sled dogs are tethered, most hunting hounds are tethered. These dogs are neither aggresive or fearful. These dogs come in contact with humans constantly. Sled dogs have wonderful veterinary care.They are worked and conditioned daily.

A properly tethered dog has more square footage to move around in than a kenneled dog.

Many of the same people that are against all tethering are against all kenneling and are convining people both are bad. I don't know how many people have gotten mad at me because I have kennels for my dogs. They think is is so cruel that my dogs are locked up and that  it is wrong that they do not run free all day long.

I have had more than one person that has said that it should be made illegal to ever have dogs in kennels. Don't mention crates to these people.

I have 6 german shepherds in varing ages and i have 4 indoor out door runs the outdoors are 5 foot by 16 feet and the inside portion is 5 feet by 8 feet with drop down weather doors and 22 inch fans in each kennel for warm weather each morning the water is changed at feeding time in 2 gallon stainless steel buckets and evening as needed and my brother just thinks it,s terible that i keep them "caged up all day". I have 2 indoor runs 6 foot by 12 feet with fans also. Some people just don,t get the idea that you are responsible for your dogs 100% of the time so they are only loos when my wife or I are out side with them. The only time they are on a line at home is when we are practicing our obedience or work some drive stuff on the  younger dogs.