As of January 18, 2022, a new Texas law, known as the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, took effect, imposing criminal penalties on dog owners who inhumanely tether their pets outside.
Key aspects of the law:
- Prohibited Restraints: Chaining or using heavy weights as restraints for unattended dogs is banned. The restraint must be at least five times the dog’s length (from nose to tail base) or 10 feet, whichever is greater.
- Proper Fit: The dog’s collar or harness must be appropriately sized and not cause choking, impede breathing, or cause pain or injury. Collars must be made of material specifically designed for dogs.
- Required Conditions: Dogs left tethered alone outside must have access to adequate shelter, shade from direct sunlight, and drinkable water. The shelter needs to provide protection from inclement weather, including rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, and extreme temperatures, and allow the dog to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The dog must also have an area to avoid standing water and excessive animal waste.
- Unlawful Restraint: According to Texas law, you cannot simply chain your dog to something and leave them unattended between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., within 500 feet of a school, or in extreme weather conditions (below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, heat advisory, or a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning).
- Elimination of Warning Period: The new law eliminates a previous 24-hour waiting period, allowing authorities to take immediate action if a tethered animal’s safety is at risk.
- Exceptions: The law does not apply when camping or in recreational areas, or when using a temporary restraint, such as walking a dog with a handheld leash.
- Penalties: Violators face a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Repeat offenders could face a Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days in jail, or a fine of up to $2,000.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.tpr.org/podcast/the-source/2022-01-17/texas-law-now-bans-dog-owners-from-unlawful-outdoor-tethering
[2] https://www.fox26houston.com/news/new-texas-dog-law-outdoor-tethering-chains
[3] https://people.com/pets/texas-law-bans-chaining-dogs-outside/
[4] https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/02/01/chaining-a-dog-outside-is-illegal-in-texas/
