FL:New Law in Pinellas county prohibits leaving dogs on chains

New law prohibits leaving dogs on chains

Updated: Wednesday, 05 May 2010, 6:46 AM EDT

ST. PETERSBURG - Some Pinellas county dog owners have a couple of weeks to figure out how to confine their pets, or risk fines of up to $500.

An ordinance passed by Pinellas county commissioners bans "tethering," except for short periods of time.

"This is about the people that chain the dogs out 24/7," says Suncoast Animal League director Rick Chaboudy. "This is about the pit bulls out there, the fighting dogs that are out there 24/7."

Chaboudy was one of more than a dozen speakers pushing for the change, which was also supported by Pinellas County Animal Control.

"We know what [tethering] does to the animal" says assistant director Dewayne Taylor. "It's not being attended to by its owner, it's developing behavior problems, it's essentially in an inhumane staus, yet it may be getting food and water and shelter."

Even short-term tethering has new rules, such as the length, weight and features of the tether.

The ordinance should take effect within 10 business days.

Other changes allow animal control to deem a dog dangerous after one attack resulting in death or serious injury to another animal. State law permits two "strikes."

The new rules also state that puppies under six months old can never be tethered. Older dogs can be tied up for a reasonable length of time as long as the leash is five times longer than the dog, has clips that swivel on both ends, and is free of tangles.

New law prohibits leaving dogs on chains