New TX Law to Help Make Life More Humane for Pet Dogs

Over the summer, a bill that would protect dogs from being chained in inhumane conditions was vetoed. Thankfully, a revised bill regarding chaining dogs outside got a second chance due to the voices of Texas pet advocates. The new law was passed  in October of 2021. 

Although the updated bill may not be restrictive enough, we are always grateful for all laws that help make life a bit more humane for animals.

The law, effective January 18, 2022, will make regulations about chaining dogs more specific to help prevent animal abuse and neglect.

The new law states that dogs cannot be tied up using chains or heavy restraints. Their restraints should never be shorter than five times the dog’s body length from nose to tail.

Also, their collars must be made of a material that’s designed for a dog’s neck. Ropes, wires, etc., cannot be wound around a dog’s neck. (Hard to believe, but people do such deplorable things.)

Dogs must also have access to shade, shelter from inclement weather, and access to drinkable water if left alone outside. (Drinkable water is fresh, cool and in a clean bowl.)

The new law also allows law enforcement to get involved with a chained animal situation immediately. Before, they had to wait 24 hours. 

Violators of this new law will now face consequences. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor (fines up to $500) and becomes a Class B misdemeanor (second offense could mean up to 180 days in jail and a $2000 fine with a Class B misdemeanor) if it’s a repeated offense.

We truly wish that no dogs have to spend most of their lives tied or chained. (We are not talking about a recreational or temporary tethering situation. I’ve restrained mine with a tie down while setting up my camera for a photo shoot or putting out food and supplies for a picnic.) We are talking about those unfortunate dogs who are tied or chained and left alone and basically live outdoors exposed to the elements.  A sad, unfortunate life!

We can only hope that this new law changes the behavior of people and their treatment of dogs in their care. ​

​Try as we may, we are unable to educate all the people in humane treatment of animals or control the inhumane behavior inherent in many, so we must continue to make and enforce laws on behalf of the animals. But it takes a village to look out for and stand up for those who have no voice but ours.
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If you see an animal being abused or neglected, please contact an animal resource in your area. They will know who to contact regarding the incident.

Learn more here>>

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Shelia Huffman, Contributor/MHC Board 
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Shelia recently moved to the Greenwood community of Midland from Dallas where she was a staff writer for White Rock Lake Weekly and a columnist for Bubblelife Media.  A retired travel agent and event planner, she has  been an animal activist her entire life.  Shelia  has a daughter and son-in-law in Midland, a grandson in Dallas and a granddaughter at Texas Tech. She lists cooking and writing about food, and,  of course, playing with her Terrier Mix rescue, Penelope, as some of her favorite things.