Austin dogs to go chain-free

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Austin dogs to go chain-free

 

New city law says dogs can't be tied up unsupervised

By Suzannah Gonzales

AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Friday, June 08, 2007

 

Leaving tethered or chained dogs outside alone will no longer be allowed in

Austin.

 

The City Council on Thursday approved the ordinance by a 7-0 vote. The new

law also requires that any outdoor enclosure used as the primary living area

for a dog have at least 150 square feet of space for each dog, age six months

or older.

 

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City officials have acknowledged that the law might disproportionately affect

lower-income residents. Critics have said dogs are often chained because

fencing is expensive. Low-income families will get help complying with the

new law; each address or family could get up to $250 in assistance.

 

The law will become effective Oct. 1. Enforcement will start with warnings,

said David Lurie, director of the city's Health and Human Services

Department.

 

" It is a fantastic day for the chained dogs of Austin, and it's a wonderful

promise for safer neighborhoods in our city, " said Lyndon Poole of Chain Free

Austin. The group, a coalition of residents and organizations, proposed the

ordinance in August and since have been working on it with city staff

members.

 

The fund to help low-income families already includes a $5,000 donation from

the Town Lake Animal Center. Individuals, businesses and organizations also

have pledged to donate $4,300, Poole said. In addition, the Austin Community

Foundation has set up an account to which people can make a donation.

 

An application will be available online at http://chainfreeaustin.org within

a week for those interested in applying for financial help, and fliers about

the new law, including some in Spanish, will be posted in neighborhoods.

 

" We want to help people transition into life under the new law, and we're

going to work hard to help low-income families purchase fencing, " Poole said.

 

Materials for a 5-foot-high wire fence that provides 150 square feet of space

would cost about $225, Poole said.

 

The ordinance will allow tethering dogs under certain conditions. For

example, it's OK to use a chain or tether if someone is holding the chain or

tether or if the dog's owner or handler stays with the dog while it's

restrained. Chaining a dog is also allowed during veterinary treatment,

grooming, training or law enforcement activities.

 

Austin Animal Control officials currently receive about 200 complaints a year

about dogs tethered inappropriately, according to the city.

 

 

sgonzales; 512.445.3616