A bill that would prohibit certain types of restraints and tethers used on animals is moving forward.
HB2072 HD2 SD1 just passed the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and will now head to conference committee.
KHON2 was the first to tell you about this bill which would enforce the proper way to chain a dog without hurting them.
Those who don’t follow the rules could face a fine, or have to go to counseling.
The bill adds the following language to the current animal cruelty law:
(g) Tethers, fastens, ties, or restrains a dog to a doghouse, tree, fence, or any other stationary object, or uses a trolley, pulley, cable, or running line designed to attach a dog to two stationary objects:
(i) If the dog is under the age of six months unless the dog is engaged in a supervised activity;
(ii) In a configuration that repeatedly entangles or otherwise endangers the dog;
(iii) If the tether is shorter than ten feet in length, unless the dog is engaged in a supervised activity;
(iv) If the tether is a tow or log chain or is disproportionate to the size or weight of the dog such that the restraint inhibits the free movement of the dog within the area allowed by the tether; or
(v) By means of a choke collar, pinch collar, or prong collar; provided that a person is not prohibited from using a choke collar, pinch collar, or prong collar when walking a dog with a hand-held leash or while a dog is engaged in a supervised activity; or
The bill also ammends one of the sections in the law to state the following:
(4) Cruelty to animals in the second degree is a misdemeanor, except that if the offense involves ten or more pet animals in any one instance, then cruelty to animals in the second degree is a class C felony. In addition to or in lieu of any penalty authorized for a person convicted of an offense under this section, the court may assess fines, order performance of community service, require mental health counseling, or order attendance at educational classes concerning animal abuse prevention.
