City Gets Tough on Dog Owners

Last month, the City Council passed legislation reducing the amount of time a dog  can be tied up and even disallowing the use of some types of leashes and collars.

The anti-tethering law says that it is now illegal to have a dog tied up for more than three hours during a 12-hour span, and it prohibits the use of any chain that is too heavy, might become tangled, or any collar that can pinch a dog's skin. 

Violators of the law - which goes into effect May 1st - can face serious penalties: First-time infractions can carry a $250 fine, and any subsequent violations within a year of a first offense will be designated a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine, three months in jail, or both.

Michelle Villagomez, senior manager, New York City Advocacy, for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), says that the anti-tethering law is a move in the right direction.

"This legislation is an important first step in enabling law enforcement to take action before a dog begins to suffer," she said.

She explains that when dogs are tied-up for too long, it inhibits their natural instincts, making them potentially volatile. 

"Chained dogs can, and have, become aggressive due to constant confinement, a lack of socialization with humans and an inability to escape from perceived threats. Tethering also exposes dogs to injury by other animals and people, extreme weather conditions and the tether chain itself."

The reaction from dog owners in Bed-Stuy mirrors Villagomez's statements, although some wonder how such a law could be enforced.

Nickey Henry, who owns two dogs, says, "I'm confused. Does this mean there will be someone actually watching restaurants, corner stores, and even bars for dogs tethered in front?"

K.C. Washington says that tying up a dog for a few minutes is fine, but anything much longer should be against the law.

"I used to tether my dog outside of the grocery store for 10 minutes or so, but have eased up on that out of concern for her being stolen. I have never left her longer than 15 minutes [though], and have never heard of someone leaving their dog tied up somewhere for hours with the idea that they were coming back. I think that is abusive."

Both Henry and Washington, though in favor of the fines, thought the punishment of jail time was excessive.

But perhaps that's the point: By imposing such a steep penalty, the law is guaranteed to grab the attention of dog owners. Villagomez adds, "One thing we can say is that it raises public awareness of the problems of excessive tethering."

This story originally appeared on Bed-Stuy Patch.