The State Senate today approved and sent to the House a bill that will significantly limit a person's ability to tether a dog, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The bill, sponsored by State Sen Eddie Lucio (D-Brownsville), will prohibit a dog from being tied up in any space without immediate access to food and water, and prohibits the use of a tether that is shorter than ten feet long.
It also limits the length of time a dog can be tethered, and requires that a dog have shade.The Humane Society says every year, thousands of dogs are tethered on chains in backyards throughout the state, sometimes without adequate shelter and clean drinking water, and regardless of weather conditions.
"We are grateful to our supporters, who let their lawmakers know that Texans support the humane tethering and treatment of dogs," the Humane Society said.
The bill includes exemptions which allow people to tether a dog on a shorter leash when the dog is being walked, and allows a dog to be tethered while camping, fishing, and in other situation.
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