When it comes to the humane treatment of dogs, Greg Abbott is still a dick.
Texas Senate Bill 5 was passed during one of many special sessions called by Governor Abbott concerning “relating to the unlawful restraint of a dog; creating a criminal offense.” This bill makes it illegal to use a chain to restrain a dog but it does NOT make it illegal to restrain a dog with a rope or tether.
According to the bill a dog cannot be tethered without access to food, water, and shelter and the tether cannot be less than 5 times the length of the dog or 10 feet. This is just an incredibly stupid bill. A responsible dog owner would not have a dog unless they have a fence and it is able to run freely. Restraining a dog for it’s entire life with a chain or rope or tether is cruel. It’s just plain hillbilly mean yet the bill does not stop this from happening. Take a moment and read the gdamn bill. #NoPlaceButTexas
| Sec. 821.102. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG; OFFENSE. (a) An | ||
| owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a | ||
| restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to: | ||
| (1) adequate shelter; | ||
| (2) an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water | ||
| and exposure to excessive animal waste; | ||
| (3) shade from direct sunlight; and | ||
| (4) potable water. | ||
| (b) An owner may not restrain a dog outside and unattended | ||
| by use of a restraint that: | ||
| (1) is a chain; | ||
| (2) has weights attached; | ||
| (3) is shorter in length than the greater of: | ||
| (A) five times the length of the dog, as measured | ||
| from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or | ||
| (B) 10 feet; or | ||
| (4) is attached to a collar or harness not properly | ||
| fitted. | ||
Bay Area Houston 