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YourHub.com \\ Santa Clarita Valley \\ Stories \\ Pets \\ General Pets

New tethering law goes into effect

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Contributed by: Judy Hammond, L.A. County on 1/10/2007

As of January 1, a law went into effect in the state of California that prohibits the tethering of a dog to any stationary object for more than three hours in a 24-hour period. Depending on the specific offense, violation of this new law could result in an infraction or misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 per dog and/or up to six months in county jail.

However, there are some exceptions to the law, which allow for dogs to be tied to a pulley system; tethered on campgrounds or recreational areas; hunting or herding dogs tethered on farms; or short-term tethering for the completion of temporary tasks.

"Not all tethering of dogs is bad", stated Michelle Roache', Deputy Director, County of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control. "This law is meant to target the forgotten backyard dogs that live their entire lives at the end of a chain. Chained dogs can become neurotic, unhappy, anxious, injured, and often aggressive, as well as becoming easy targets for thieves, other attacking animals, teasing humans, and biting insects", she said.

According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) (statement in the July 2, 1996 Federal Register against tethering): "Our experience in enforcing the Animal Welfare Act has led us to conclude that continuous confinement of dogs by a tether is inhumane. A tether significantly restricts a dog's movement. A tether can also become tangled around or hooked on the dog's shelter structure or other objects, further restricting the dog's movement and potentially causing injury."

The County of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control is committed to the welfare of all pets and strongly urges all dog owners to comply with the new law as soon as possible.

If you currently confine your dog with a tether and need help with confinement solutions other than tethering, please contact your local animal shelter for assistance.

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