It is now illegal to chain up your dogs outside in Texas. The “Safe Outdoor Dogs” law went into effect on January 18th, 2022.

Last summer, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a similar bill sparking backlash from the public. Abbot then approved and signed this bill during the 3rd special session this year of the state legislature.

Progress! New Texas Law Will Make It Illegal To Chain Dogs Outside.

The “Safe Outdoor Dogs” Act, aimed at protecting our canine companions, will go into effect on 18 January.

More at https://t.co/24nmH6DSVL via @SpeciesUnite pic.twitter.com/67G6cVfUtY

— PROTECT ALL WILDLIFE (@Protect_Wldlife) January 8, 2022

What does the new law do?

Under the new law, dog owners will no longer be allowed to leave a dog unattended and restrained outside unless the dog has shade from direct sunlight, adequate access to shelter, drinkable water, and proper protection from the elements. The restraint must also be at least 10 feet long or 5 times the length of the dog when measuring from nose to tail.

Texas will “break the chains” in changing how dogs are protected for being improperly restrained and neglected in just three days. This past October 2021, the Texas Legislator passed SB 5 – the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act – to protect unattended dogs retrained outdoors. pic.twitter.com/m8lxOQNPxZ

— Animal Care Services (@SANANTONIOACS) January 15, 2022

The law also allows police to intervene in cases where dogs have been chained up outside and do not meet the above-stated conditions. Previously, law enforcement was unable to intervene in such situations.

Violations of the new law can be reported to local SPCA branches.

We’re expecting temperatures to drop more today and into tomorrow, so be sure to exercise caution and care with your pets and other animals in your area.
Due to the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, dogs left outdoors in inclement weather can be reported to Houston SPCA. pic.twitter.com/of3cNodWZ9

— Houston SPCA (@HoustonSPCA) February 3, 2022

What will happen to those that break this law?

Failure to adhere to the regulations in the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act will result in the person facing a Class C misdemeanor and carry a fine of up to $500. Those who repeatedly break the law can face a Class B misdemeanor.

Now that the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act is in effect, one of our investigators brought this dog in to be examined by our staff. His chain had become stuck in the fence, and he couldn’t access food, water, or shelter. #AnimalRescue
Safe Outdoor Dogs Act: https://t.co/VKP172bH3V pic.twitter.com/sOg8xk8ALe

— Houston SPCA (@HoustonSPCA) January 25, 2022

Why did Governor Greg Abbott veto the original bill but sign this one?

The previous bill was vetoed by the Governor over wording in the original bill that was seen as “micro-managing.” There was significant public backlash after the first bill was vetoed, however, leading to pressure for the Governor to sign the current one.

This week the *Safe Outdoor Dogs Act* preventing cruel treatment of our canine friends became law in Texas!

*Despite* our Gov Greg Abbott previously vetoing this bipartisan legislation as “micro-managing” and “over-criminalization” pic.twitter.com/CM9Z5ZU8RO

— Truth by Texas (@TruthxTexas) January 20, 2022

Considering the devastating winter storms that Texas has experienced recently, it has become even more important to protect dogs who spend most of their time outside in the state. Sadly, several dogs were found frozen to death during last winter’s snowstorms.

The “Safe Outdoor Dogs Act” was passed after several pets were found frozen to death in last February’s winter storm. #KHOU11https://t.co/QZ940xr8sZ

— BrandiKHOU (@BrandiKHOU) February 3, 2022

What exceptions to the law exist?

As with most laws, some exceptions exist. These include people who are out camping with their dogs or spending time in recreational areas. Similarly, people that are hunting with their dogs, shepherding livestock, and/or farming with their dogs are exempt from these new regulations. Dogs being left unattended temporarily in an open-air truck bed is also permitted.

The law also allows for temporary restraints but it does not outline what circumstances these might be permitted under.

Attention Dog owners. The State’s Safe Outdoor Dogs Act takes effect today. Here’s what you need to know. pic.twitter.com/i63eBz8aPl

— City of Harlingen (@myharlingen) January 18, 2022

People react to Texas’ “Safe Outdoor Dogs” law.

News of the new law has been met with a positive reaction from the public. Many have taken to social media to share their thoughts.

“I’m so happy this was passed. I’m so sick of seeing dogs chained up. Now let’s enforce the law!!” wrote Cheryl Grounds on Twitter.
“This is great news! Dogs shouldn’t be chained up at all,” wrote a viewer on YouTube.

We encourage everyone who wants to see the successful implementation of the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act to engage at the LOCAL level. To find out where to start and find qualified, local nonprofits and civic groups for additional resources visit https://t.co/yEuyIaCJe9. pic.twitter.com/pv8caiG4l8

— THLN (@THLNTX) January 22, 2022

Learn more about Texas’ “Safe Outdoor Dogs” law in the video below.

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Source: Forbes/People