Twist

Texas makes it illegal to leave dogs chained up outside unless the situation meets certain criteria

By The German Shepherd Dog Community
February 15th, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“If there was no outcry … it would still be something that we’d be planning on working on next legislative session,” Jamey Cantrell, president of the Texas Animal Control Association, told the Tribune last month.

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.

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.

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.

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

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Forbes/People

About the Author
The German Shepherd Dog Community
A page dedicated to German Shepherd Dogs! All animal lovers are welcome!
Visit our Facebook page Visit our website
Advertisement