Update July 10, 2010: Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindahl has signed H.B. 219 into law!
With virtually unanimous support, the legislature passed an amended bill, H.B. 219. The amended version does not restrict tethering of dogs to 3 hours per day as the bill proposed to do. The new law simply states: It shall be unlawful to tie, tether, or restrain any animal in a manner that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare.
The law bans tethering to a running line or cable trolley system if the dog is wearing a pinch, prong, choke or improperly fitted collar. All dogs who are tethered must a "properly fitted" collar that "measures the circumference of a dog’s neck plus at least one inch".
There are still numerous 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.