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For the safety of children. For the humane treatment of dogs. For an end to the chaining of dogs. |
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Fence Building
Please note that the new ordinance does not mandate fencing as the only option. Many residents might choose to bring the dog inside the home and exercise the dog on a leash (as many apartment dwellers now do). But when bringing the dog inside the home is not an option, building a secure and humane fenced enclosure is the next best thing.
Chain Free Austin recommends a minimum fenced enclosure area of 150 square feet for each dog. This value has recently been adopted by some U.S. cities as a requirement in their laws governing humane care of animals. 150 square feet is also the minimum required for each adult dog under the new Austin ordinance (effective October 1, 2007).
150 square feet is equivalent to side dimensions of 10 feet by 15 feet, and requires at least 50 linear feet of fence fabric for the perimeter (10 + 10 + 15 + 15 = 50 linear feet). Other side dimensions could also be used to yield 150 square feet. For example, a longer, slightly narrower enclosure of dimensions 7 and 1/2 feet by 20 feet would also meet the minimum 150 square foot area. This configuration would require at least 55 linear feet of fence fabric for the perimeter.
The amount of required fence fabric, posts, and hardware can be reduced if one side of the house is used as a side of the dog’s enclosure.
Note for "multiple dog" households: In cases where two or more dogs are kept outdoors at a residence, please remember that the new city ordinance requires 150 square feet of space for each dog 6 months or older. If there are 2 dogs, 300 square feet of outdoor enclosure space is required; if there are 3 dogs, 450 square feet is required; etc...
Two types of fencing frequently used to construct dog enclosures are welded wire and chain link. Both types of fencing, along with required hardware, are commonly sold in home improvement stores and some farm supply stores. Fence posts, hardware, and gate materials should also be considered when planning the enclosure.
Costs for fencing materials and installation vary widely, but it is possible to save a substantial amount of money if you do it yourself!
Here are some links to fencing information and instructions for do-it-yourself installation:
Fence Building from UnchainYourDog.org
Chain Link Fence Instructions from Hoover Fence Company
Chain Link Fence Instructions from YourFenceStore.com
Welded Wire Fence Instructions from UnchainYourDog.org
En Español:
Poner un Cercado Metálico: Elementos y Planificación
Poner un Cercado Metálico: Instalación
Ojo: De acuerdo a la propuesta ordenanza, una área cercada al exterior debe de proveer un espacio mínimo de 150 ft2 (14 m2) para cada perro si ésta área es donde el perro principalmente vive.
Escape Issues
Click here for some ideas on dealing with dogs who jump over, dig under, or chew through the fence.
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Chain Free Austin Email: info@chainfreeaustin.org |