AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A new law could fine Austin, Texas, dog owners $500 if their pooches are left chained or tethered outside without supervision.
The law, which was passed in June and takes effect Oct. 1, makes tethering a dog outside a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported Monday.
Dorinda Pulliam, director of Town Lake Animal Center, told the newspaper dog owners who don't immediately follow the new law will first be given a notice to comply. If they persist in disobeying the law, they will be issued a citation with a fine.
The ordinance was passed after advocates argued that chaining dogs is inhumane and encourages aggressive behavior. The law states that dogs who spend the majority of their time outside must be kept in an enclosure that contains a minimum of 150 square feet for each adult dog.
"No one who cares about animals wants to see dogs kept in substandard or abusive circumstances," Content Love Knowles of Harlequin Pet Services said to the American-Statesman. "I hope effort will be made to warn and educate violators, giving them every chance to come into compliance."
