New Year = New Laws

[RedHedd]

Here in California are a few pet-friendly laws that go into effect January 1. What's your state doing?

Also going into effect at the start of the New Year is a law designed to stiffen the penalties for pet owners who leave their animals in cars parked in the sun, and another that makes it illegal to tie a dog to a stationary object for more than three hours.

Supporters of the new dog-tethering law have argued that long-term tethering makes dogs more aggressive and more likely to bite. Depending on the specific offense, violation of this new law could result in an infraction or misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 per dog and up to six months in county jail.

However, there are some exceptions to the law, which allows for dogs to be tied to a pulley system; tethering to allow owners to complete temporary tasks; or on farms if it's necessary for the animal's safety.

The other pet law gives animal control officers authority to break into cars to save pets that are in distress, such as those inside vehicles parked outside in the sun. Previously, they would have had to call a law enforcement officer to enter the vehicle to save the animal.

Under the new law, the owner of an unattended hot vehicle containing a pet will face a fine of up to $500 and as much as six months in jail.

[lizbud]

4:07 PM December 28, 2006


City has new rules for pet owners


Star staff report

Increased fines for dangerous animal attacks and new regulations on the tethering of dogs outside take effect in Indianapolis next week as part of city’s new animal ordinance.


Dangerous animals are defined as those:
- that would constitute a danger to human life or property
- have caused serious injury to a person without provocation
- have chased or approached a person in a menacing fashion

The fine for any dangerous animal attack on a person or animal now ranges from $500 to $1,000 per offense.

Only two dangerous animals may be owned now, and the law spells out how they must be confined.

“The new ordinance makes great strides in improving public safety and animal welfare in Indianapolis,” Leslie Fatum, administrator of the Indianapolis Animal Care & Control agency said in a news release.

“The public needs to know the law so they can take steps to comply.”

Under the law, the city now regulates the outdoor tethering of dogs, requiring that they can not be left tied up outside overnight.

A copy of the ordinance can be found at: http://www6.indygov.org/council/prop...PROP06-370.PDF.

For animal complaints, call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Nothing to do with "pet" laws, but in 2007 no store in town will be allowed to accept cheques of any kind*

*some restrictions may apply. (that means they can weasel out of it if they want )

[cyber-sibes]

Hmm, interesting new laws, but I wonder if the tethering laws apply to sled dog kennels too? Maybe there aren't any in California or Indianapolis? Tethering is a pretty common practice in some of them.

[cmayer31]

Hmm, interesting new laws, but I wonder if the tethering laws apply to sled dog kennels too? Maybe there aren't any in California or Indianapolis? Tethering is a pretty common practice in some of them.

I was wondering about this as well. I just saw the new laws at work today and did a little bit of looking into it. The law does make some exceptions; it does not list sled dog kennels specifically, but I'm sure a sled dog kennel with proper care could work with animal control to be put on the exception list:

For California:

"New law in effect
State Sen. Alan Lowenthal, a Long Beach Democrat, wrote the bill, which became law yesterday.

The law:
Prohibits tethering a dog to any stationary object for more than three hours in a 24-hour period.

Allows dogs to be attached to running lines, pulleys and trolley systems, except with a choke or pinch collar.

Allows dogs to be tethered to fixed objects while at campgrounds and recreational areas that require dogs to be restrained.

Makes exceptions for dogs that are hunting, working on farms or herding cattle or sheep.
Possible penalties:
A warning for first-time offenders who did not endanger the health or safety of a dog.

An infraction resulting in a maximum fine of $250 per dog.

A misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1,000 per dog and/or up to six months in jail.

Sign on San Diego news story