LA House to Debate Anti-Chaining Bill Today!
Update May 7, 2010: The Louisiana anti-chaining bill, H.B. 219, is scheduled for debate by the House of Representatives on May 10!
The bill, H.B. 219, would restrict tethering of dogs basically to 3 hours per day to a stationary object or a trolley system. The bill would also restrict how a dog could be tethered:
A dog could not be left outside and unattended if the tether or chain "causes injury to the dog" or leaves the dog in "an unsafe condition". Any chain or tether would be required to be attached to a "properly fitted" collar that "measures the circumference of a dog's neck plus at least one inch" and must be at least 12 feet long. Dogs could continue to be restrained on running lines, pulley or trolley systems as long as prong, pinch or choke collars are not used.
There are exceptions for "[a]ccepted veterinary practices", "activities carried on for scientific or medical research governed by accepted standards", dogs in camping or recreational areas, a dog "restrained while the owner is engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by this state if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog", a "dog restrained while the owner is engaged in conduct directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock", a "dog restrained while the owner is engaged in conduct directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products if the restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog".
Violations can mean a fine up to three hundred dollars.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Find your Louisiana legislators here.
Write (letters and faxes are best) or call and urge your Louisiana legislator to vote YES to H.B. 219!
Read about other pending bills and efforts to limit chaining in Maryland, South Carolina, Connecticut and Illinois.
Listen to ALC on The Nature Connection on The Big Blend radio!
