New Palm Beach Pet Law: No Chaining Animals
Dog owners in Palm Beach County, Florida are now subject to a new dog chaining law, which prohibits the tethering of dogs to a stationary object unless under direct supervision or at a show.
A coup for animal rights activists, the new Palm Beach pet law also requires residents to provide their canine companions (and guard dogs) with ample backyard space, a roof during extreme weather conditions, and sufficient exercise.
Not everyone is happy.
Though people often leave their dogs tied up for prolonged periods of time, doing so is actually quite dangerous for the dog and its humans.
Not only can chains cause strangulation and other severe injuries to pets left unsupervised, the constant tethering impedes a dog's ability to exercise and increases its aggression towards other dogs and humans.
Like similar laws across the country, the Sun Sentinel reports that Palm Beach's dog chaining law seeks to prevent these occurrences by fining owners anywhere between $100 and $500.
This does not include walking a dog, though it's unclear whether the prohibition applies to chaining a dog for a short period while the owner runs into a store.
In addition to the chain ban, the Palm Beach pet law also requires dogs kept outside to have at least 80 square feet of space, with a maximum temperature of 85F.
Those who oppose the law claim that it will cause residents to give up or abandon their dogs.
For example, a local hunting dog association told the Sun-Sentinel that small cages are necessary, while another dog owner can't afford to build a fence.
Regardless, Palm Beach's dog chaining law is a good thing if it makes some people think hard about the ways in which they treat their pets.
Related Resources:
- New Palm Beach County Pet Law Takes Effect (WPBF-TV)
- Animal Rights (FindLaw)
- Top 5 Dog Bite Prevention Tips for Owners, Parents, and Kids (FindLaw's Injured)