Provides that no dog shall be restrained by a tethering device attached to a fixed point or to a running cable trolley system for more than six hours per day

2 Co-sponsors

• Suzi Oppenheimer
• José Peralta

BILL NUMBER:S1239 REVISED 03/16/11

Title of bill

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to the tethering of dogs

Purpose

To prohibit the tethering and chaining of dogs for a period of greater than six hours in a twenty-four hour period.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 -- Adds a new section 353-c to the Agriculture and Markets Law to prohibit dogs from being tethered for more than six hours in any twenty-four hour period. Anyone violating this provision will be subject to a fine of $50-$100 for a first offense and $100-$250 for a second or subsequent offense.

Section 2 -- Effective date.

Justification

Across the country, there is a greater recognition of the negative physical and psychological effects that the chaining of dogs has on our canine friends. In the past, studies have shown that dogs who are chained up for long periods of time are not properly socialized and have a tendency to be more aggressive.

In one study, it was found that chained dogs account for a substantial portion of serious and fatal bites. Each year, dog bites result in over $100 million in medical costs with another $1 billion in liability claims. Further, the New York City Council passed a law in January 2011 that prohibited an individual from tying up a dog for more than three consecutive hours in a twelve hour period. As this is a recognizable issue, there is a great need for New York state to implement policy and fines for tethering and chaining a dog.

We should be doing everything we can to decrease the number of aggressive, non-socialized dogs. The results will be fewer dog bites, healthier children (as they are most often the ones bitten), and a substantial decrease in the insurance claims related to dogs. Once again, a large part of that is ensuring that our dogs are not unduly and unnecessarily chained for long periods of time thus providing them with the exercise and social outlet that they want and need.

Legislative history

2010: S.7147 - Motion to consider bill by Agriculture Committee was defeated

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the sixtieth day after it becomes law.