Dogs are no longer allowed to be tied up for hours on end
in Springfield, Missouri. The city council unanimously voted to pass a bill
that targets owners who leave their dogs tethered on chains.
City Council is enacting an ordinance to limit the
tethering of dogs to temporary periods not to exceed 30 minutes. When dogs are
tied up, dogs must be on a non-choke type collar.
The proposal comes at a time when many humane societies are
spreading awareness that tethering pets is not only harmful to the animals but potentially
dangerous for people as well.
Tethered dogs become bored, anxious and anti-social and
this can cause a dog to negatively act out. It also gives rise to a higher
chance of a dog lashing out and biting someone.
Dog owners who break the law could face fines.
Certain exceptions were highlighted in the bill and apply
in circumstances where:
Tethering shall be allowed on rare occasions when it is
necessary for the dog owner of a custodian to complete a temporary task that
requires the dog to be physically restrained for a reasonable amount of time.
Tethering shall be allowed for short periods of time for
the dog to relieve himself.
During the time the dog is tethered, he must be provided
with adequate shelter and water.
When riding outside the passenger compartment of a vehicle
in transit or when tied to a legally parked vehicle, the dog must be secured by
a non choke collar or body harness.
The complete wording of the bill can be read HERE.
