Support ordinance banning tethering of dogs
- da: Caroline Liljencrantz
- destinatario: Sarasota County Commissioners
A growing number of counties across the country express the same sentiment that adopting an anti chaining ordinance helps to create safer communities and is a more humane way of life for our animals.
Now the residents of Sarasota County will have the chance to change their current ordinance. Revisions would permit temporary tethering for outdoor enjoyment purposes of supervised animals; however, permanent tethering or chaining would be prohibited. (Scroll down to the end in order to read the actual revision proposed).
Public Comment on this ordinance will take place on September 15 at 9:00 AM at the Sarasota County Administration Building, 1660 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota. It is Item number 7.
The more signatures this petition will have by then, the greater the chance is that we can end this cruel and inhumane practice of chaining dogs.
Anti chaining section revision:
It shall be unlawful for an Owner to tether an Animal outdoors, except when all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The Animal is in visual range of the Owner, and the Owner is located outside with the Animal.
(2) The tether is connected to the Animal by a buckle-type collar or a body harness made of nylon or leather, not less than one inch in width.
(3) The tether has the following properties: it is at least five times the length of the Animal's body, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail; it terminates at both ends with a swivel; it does not weigh more than ? of the Animal's weight; and it is free of tangles.
(4) The Animal is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
(5) The Animal is not outside during a period of extreme weather, including without limitation extreme heat or near-freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms,or hurricanes.
(6) The Animal has access to water, shelter, and dry ground.
(7) The Animal is at least six months of age. Puppies, kittens, and other young Animals shall not be tethered.
(8) The Animal is not sick or injured.
(9) Pulley, running line, or trolley systems are at least 15 feet in length and are less than 7 feet above the ground.
(10) If there are multiple Animals, each Animal is tethered separately.
The growing number of counties in Florida and across the country express the same sentiment that adopting an anti chaining ordinance helps to create safer communities and is a more humane way of life for our animals.
Permanent tethering of a dog is not only cruel and inhumane, but it creates aggression in dogs and therefore promotes dangerous environments for our community members. The ASPCA reports 81% of fatal dog attacks involve dogs that are isolated. Tethered dogs suffer with hunger from sporadic feedings, overturned water bowls, little to no exercise or regular socialization. Chained dogs spend their entire lives eating, sleeping, urinating and defecating in a single confined area. They are exposed to extreme temperatures such as cold, heat and rain; flea and tick infestation; heartworm disease; snakes, bugs, rodents and a magnitude of other parasites. Typical of a chained dog is severe laceration to the neck where the collar has become imbedded. Many states and local governments across the U.S., including Miami, Seminole City, City of Gulfport and Collier County of Florida, have already banned permanent tethering. Jurisdictions that have prohibited permanent tethering have experienced safer communities for people and pets, as well as significant reductions in animal cruelty cases, nuisance complaints, animal bites and attacks.
When the time comes for you to vote on the proposed changes to Sarasota County Ordinance No. 95-042, please vote in favor of banning tethering. You will not only help the chained dogs but you will also create a safer community.
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