This just in from our friends with DFW CARES (DFW CAnine REScue)...
"City Bans Tethering, Chaining Dogs
The Fort Worth City Council today approved an ordinance banning dog tethering. The new ordinance, which becomes effective this week, makes it illegal to use a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device to attach an unattended dog to a stationary object or trolley system. A dog still must be confined within a secure enclosure at all times.
This new ordinance is partly due to a new state law passed in 2007, which allows tethering during certain time frames, under certain circumstances and using certain types of restraints.
“There is evidence that tethering dogs makes them more dangerous,” said Assistant Public Health Director Scott Hanlan. “Unfortunately, our animal control officers encounter on a daily basis tethered dogs that are neglected and left without food, water or shelter.”
One study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that animals that are kept roped or chained are 2.8 times more likely to bite people than dogs not kept roped or chained. In addition, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends never tethering or chaining a dog, because it can contribute to aggressive behavior. Anti-tethering campaigns are also endorsed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society of the United States.
Under the new ordinance, the tethering of dogs will still be allowed under limited circumstances when the owner is present. The exceptions include a lawful animal event, city dog park, veterinary treatment, grooming, training or law enforcement activity.
Those who violate the new ordinance could face a fine as high as $2,000. However, Animal Care and Control staff emphasize that they will work with residents to educate them on this new law. Staff members also will provide residents with information on low-cost, more humane ways to restrain dogs before issuing citations for violations that don’t pose immediate threats to people or animals.
The issue of chained-up dogs is one element in the larger problem of irresponsible pet ownership faced not only by Fort Worth but by communities across the United States. Fort Worth animal control officers impounded 25,500 animals last year. Unfortunately, about 70 percent of those animals never made it out of the shelter alive.
For more information, call the Animal Care and Control Division at 817-392-3737."
Personal note from me: Fort Worth Animal Care and Control has worked tirelessly to get this ordinance passed and they should be commended. I have seen a lot of ambivalence from shelter workers across this state over the years, but Ginger at FWACC is at the opposite end of that spectrum. I have never, ever picked up a dog from her - regardless of how nasty, filthy, stinky it was - that didn't get a hug and a forehead-pressed-to-forehead goodbye from her. Bree - who smelled worse than any dog I have ever been around - had a yellowish, waxy coating all over her fur and a raging staff infection covering her skin under it, got the longest, most heart-wrenching hug from Ginger I have ever seen. Followed by the forehead-to-forehead press and a little whisper of "you're going to be okay". Serious kleenex moment, that one. Anyway, I only share this because it's so easy to feel that we're fighting an uphill battle - and we are - but knowing that people who really, truly care are out there fighting the good fight helps.
