AUSTIN CITY LAW PROHIBITS CHAINING AND TETHERING DOGS
On June 7, 2007, by a vote of 7 to 0, the Austin City Council passed the ordinance to ban the chaining and tethering of unattended dogs. The new law took effect on October 1, 2007. Citizens are encouraged to build a secure and humane fenced enclosure for their dogs, or to bring their dogs inside the family home. The language of the new ordinance may be viewed here: Dog Chaining Ordinance Text (PDF format) or here: Dog Chaining Ordinance Text (html format).
Introduction
Welcome to the on-line headquarters of Chain Free Austin! We are a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations working to help stop the dangerous and cruel practice of chaining and tethering dogs as a means of stationary confinement.
Dogs are naturally "pack" animals who crave social interaction. Not surprisingly, the practice of prolonged dog chaining is almost universally recognized as a cruel form of confinement.
Dogs who are routinely chained or tethered become more aggressive and are much more likely to bite a child or other unsuspecting person. Further, an unattended chained or tethered dog is at higher risk of accidental strangulation, hanging, and other hazards.
As an alternative to dog chaining, Chain Free Austin encourages bringing the dog into the home and family whenever possible. A secure and humane fenced enclosure is also a viable alternative for outdoor confinement.
Boycott
Petland!
Adopt - Don't Shop!
Communities that Prohibit Dog Chaining
The following communities have passed a ban on the chaining and tethering of unattended dogs:
Tucson, Arizona; Maumelle, Arkansas; Miami, Florida; Miami-Dade County, Florida; Okaloosa County, Florida; Chatham County, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Carthage, Missouri; Clayton, North Carolina; New Hanover County, North Carolina; Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; Lawton, Oklahoma; Austin, Texas; Big Spring, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Electra, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Georgetown, Texas; Irving, Texas. Read about the laws in these communities at UnchainYourDog.org!
The Austin Ordinance
An ordinance to ban the chaining and tethering of unattended dogs was passed by the Austin City Council on June 7, 2007. The new law is effective October 1, 2007.
The new ordinance prohibits leaving a dog alone while tied to a chain or tether.
The ordinance does not apply to:
-
walking a dog on a leash;
-
lawful animal events, such as veterinary treatment, grooming, obedience training, and law enforcement activity; and
-
a temporary period of restraint, provided the owner or handler remains outside with the dog throughout the period of restraint.
Click here to read the wording of the new dog chaining ordinance. Click on the links at left to read more about the campaign and about dog chaining in general.
Chain Free Austin
Email: info@chainfreeaustin.org