GOOD NEWS FOR TEXAS DOGS
Starting January 18, 2022 - It will be illegal for Texas dog owners to chain up dogs
TEXAS --End of October 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 5, also known as the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, into law that makes the unlawful restraint of a dog a crime in Texas. The bill will take effect on January 18, 2022.
Highlights:
The new law also eliminates the 24-hour waiting period for law enforcement to intervene in cases of inhumane treatment.
What happens to violators?
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.
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act was finally passed after public outcry over the vetoing of a similar bill.
Read the full bill here>>
More info about the bill>>
Highlights:
- Unattended dogs will no longer be allowed to be restrained with chains or heavy weights outdoors in the state of Texas
- Dog collars must be made of “material specifically designed to be placed around the neck of a dog,” though the bill does not specify which materials. The rule of thumb is you should be able to get two fingers underneath the collar or harness. A flat collar should fit comfortably on your dog's neck; it should not be so tight as to choke your dog nor so loose that they can slip out of it.
- Restraints must be at least five times the length of the dog or at least 10 feet, whichever is greater.
- Owners are prohibited from leaving a dog without adequate shelter, shade from direct sunlight, drinking water and an area that allows the animal to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste.
- Shelter has to have dimensions allowing for the dog to stand fully erect, lie down in a normal position and turn around.
- Dogs must have shelter from “inclement weather,” which includes “rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, extreme low temperatures, or extreme high temperatures.”
The new law also eliminates the 24-hour waiting period for law enforcement to intervene in cases of inhumane treatment.
What happens to violators?
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.
The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act was finally passed after public outcry over the vetoing of a similar bill.
Read the full bill here>>
More info about the bill>>
