A comprehensive new law enacting some of Florida’s strictest animal-care regulations now requires pet owners in Palm Beach County, Florida to unchain their animals and remove them from cramped outdoor cages.
The contentious law, which was passed in March, now forbids tethering animals at all times, as opposed to just during the daytime. Dogs can still be restrained while being closely watched and at certain occasions, such as shows.
The law also mandates that outdoor dog shelters be at least 80 square feet in size and that their interior temperatures never exceed 85 degrees.
Those who break the tethering and shelter rules for the first time will be fined $100. A $250 fine is assessed for the second offense within a year, and a $500 fine is assessed for the third. Criminal charges may be brought depending on the seriousness of the infraction.
The new law was created by Palm Beach County Animal Care Control, which claims it targets pet owners who keep their animals in appalling conditions. Dave Walesky said.
He stated, “We were witnessing people putting dogs in rabbit hutches.” Before, there was nothing to prevent them from doing that. ”.
The new regulations represent a significant victory for animal rights organizations and a major setback for hunting dog clubs and other organizations who argue that they go too far.
The strict cage requirements, according to Terry Workman, president of the Everglades Regional Dog Hunters Association, will force some hunters to give away or abandon their dogs.
When a person owns two or three dogs, it becomes very expensive, according to Workman, who added that he supports the tethering ban.
The unanimous approval of the Palm Beach County regulations has also angered the National Animal Interest Alliance. The group, which advocates for pet owners and breeders, was unsuccessful in persuading Palm Beach County commissioners to relax the tethering law.
Patti Strand, chairwoman of the National Animal Interest Alliance, said, “It’s too black-and-white.” “either abandon their dogs or transport them to a shelter ”.
According to her, many people cannot afford to fence in their dogs, so in some circumstances, tethering them is acceptable and humane. Dogs can move more freely thanks to overhead dog runners or trolleys. In urban areas where dogs are more likely to bite bystanders, the county could have permitted the option of a fence surrounding a tethered dog.
Is it illegal to chain your dog outside?
The short answer: yes.
It is forbidden to tether or chain an unattended dog in Miami Dade County, so you cannot leave your dog on a chain there alone without someone watching it. If your dog must be outside for any reason and you want to keep them safe and out of trouble with the law, there are steps you can take:
For those living in other states where no tethering bans are currently in place, it is possible to bring similar legislation to your city, county, or state. The No Kill Advocacy Center has created a step-by-step guide to getting it introduced and have offered to assist those interested.
Lawmakers in Florida have proposed legislation that would outlaw continuous, unmonitored cat- and dog-tethering and impose rising fines on pet owners who abandon their animals outside in inclement weather.
Additionally, the bill increases fines for pet owners who leave their animals outside during extreme weather, such as thunderstorms, hurricanes, and extremely hot or cold temperatures. If the order is adopted, those who violate it will be issued a written warning for their first offense, a $250 fine for their second offense, and a $500 fine for their subsequent offenses.
Florida House Bill 177, introduced last week by Rep. Emily Slosberg of Boca Raton, mandates that, “A person may not tether a domestic dog or domestic cat unless the person is physically present with and attending to the dog or cat and the dog or cat remains visible to the person at all times while tethered.”
If you live in Florida, please get in touch with your state representative and ask them to cosponsor and support HB 177. Florida’s dogs and cats are depending on it.
According to her, many people cannot afford to fence in their dogs, so in some circumstances, tethering them is acceptable and humane. Dogs can move more freely thanks to overhead dog runners or trolleys. In urban areas where dogs are more likely to bite bystanders, the county could have permitted the option of a fence surrounding a tethered dog.
Patti Strand, chairwoman of the National Animal Interest Alliance, said, “It’s too black-and-white.” “either abandon their dogs or transport them to a shelter ”.
The unanimous approval of the Palm Beach County regulations has also angered the National Animal Interest Alliance. The group, which advocates for pet owners and breeders, was unsuccessful in persuading Palm Beach County commissioners to relax the tethering law.
The strict cage requirements, according to Terry Workman, president of the Everglades Regional Dog Hunters Association, will force some hunters to give away or abandon their dogs.
Those who break the tethering and shelter rules for the first time will be fined $100. A $250 fine is assessed for the second offense within a year, and a $500 fine is assessed for the third. Criminal charges may be brought depending on the seriousness of the infraction.
FAQ
Can I leave my dog tied up outside?
- While the dog is tethered, the owner stays outside with it.
- The owner keeps the dog within sight while tethered.
- The tether is attached to a buckle-style collar or body harness made of nylon or leather, and it is the size and weight required to safely restrain the dog.
Can you leave your dog outside all day in Florida?
Leaving your dog tied up is dangerous. She might also hurt herself by getting tangled in her leash. She might be released by onlookers and injured if they taunt or tease her. She might become ill as a result of the heat, cold, or other environmental factors.
Is chaining a dog outside abuse?
As of 2020, there are no laws in Florida prohibiting leaving a dog outside, but owners should be aware of the temperature that is too hot for dogs.
What is Florida’s leash law?
In addition to suffering from isolation, tethered and penned dogs are very likely to have inadequate or no shelter, dry bedding, or even clean water. An increasing number of anti-cruelty laws and ordinances have been passed in communities across the country as people become aware that chaining or tethering dogs constitutes animal cruelty.