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).
CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LOOSE DOGS AND OWNER RESPONSIBILITY
LAS LEYES MANTIENEN RESPONSABLES A DUEÑOS DE PERROS POR PERMITIRLOS ANDAR SUELTOS
Please make a donation to help chained dogs and their families.
► Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the Austin Community Foundation's Dog Fence Fund.
The Dog Fence Fund has been established to help low-income families purchase fencing materials for their dogs. Since June of 2007 the Fund has awarded over $14,000 in vouchers for fencing materials.
Apply for financial assistance.
Click on one of the following links to download an application for financial assistance under the Dog Fence Fund for low-income residents.
► Application for Financial Assistance to Purchase Dog Fencing Materials (in English)
Note: The fencing assistance program ends on November 15, 2008. All applications must be received by November 15, 2008.
► Applicación Para la Asistencia Financiera Hacia la Compra de Materiales para Construir un Cercado (en Español)
Ojo: El programa de asistencia para cercados llegará a su fín el día 15 de Noviembre del 2008. Todas las aplicaciones para la asistencia de cercados deberán ser recibidas para el día 15 de Noviembre del 2008.
Please note: You will need Adobe Reader to download the application forms listed above. Click here to download Adobe Reader software for free.
If you would like a hard copy of the application via regular mail, please email your mailing address to: info@chainfreeaustin.org
Si necesita asistencia con la aplicación por favor comuníquese con nosotros a travéz de correo electrónico a: info@chainfreeaustin.org
Here are some of the dogs who have received assistance through the Dog Fence Fund:
Please make a tax-deductible donation to help other dogs get a fenced enclosure!
Please help spread the news about the new anti-chaining law.
Click on the following link to download, print, and distribute an informational flyer:
► CHAINING AND TETHERING DOGS PROHIBITED BY CITY LAW
Por favor ayúdenos a pasar la voz sobre la nueva ley. Seleccione aquí para descargar, imprimir, y distribuir un boletín informativo:
► ENCADENAR O ATAR A PERROS SERÁ PROHIBIDO POR LEY CIUDADANA
Tips for dealing with jumping and digging issues.
Click on the following link to read some solutions for dogs who escape the fence:
► Escape Issues - Dogs Who Jump Over, Dig Under, and Chew Through the Fence
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.
NEW! Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the Dog Fence Fund.
The Austin Community Foundation is hosting a charitable fund to help low-income families purchase fencing materials for their dog. Please click on the link above to make a donation.
Please donate to the Dog Fence Fund.
Our thanks to the following businesses and organizations for their support of the Dog Fence Fund:
The Humane Society of the U.S.
Law Office of Susan R. Littleton
Santa Rita
Cantina
TarryTown Shopping Center
Communities that Prohibit Dog Chaining
The following communities have passed a ban on the chaining and tethering of unattended dogs:
Tucson, Arizona; Maumelle, Arkansas; Okaloosa County, Florida; Chatham County, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; Carthage, Missouri; New Hanover County, North Carolina; Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina; Lawton, Oklahoma; Austin, Texas (effective October 1, 2007); Big Spring, Texas; and Electra, 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:
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walking a dog on a leash;
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lawful animal events, such as veterinary treatment, grooming, obedience training, and law enforcement activity; and
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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.
A Word of Appreciation
Chain Free Austin would like to thank the Austin Community Foundation, Animal Trustees of Austin, and Metalink Corporation for making the Dog Fence Fund possible. We would also like to thank Town Lake Animal Center for the assistance and information they are providing to citizens. We also offer special thanks to each and every kind-hearted soul who has made a donation to one of the fencing assistance programs or volunteered their time and effort to this cause.
Chain Free Austin
P.O. Box 13477
Austin, TX 78711-3477
Email: info@chainfreeaustin.org
