Summary: Springfield Missouri outlaws tethering a dog for more than 30 minutes.
Tethering a dog for more than 30 minutes is now illegal in Springfield, MO. A new bill, approved December 14, 2015, states that dog owners no longer can tether their dogs outside for the night. Chaining them as a mode of restraint is no longer allowed, and is considered to be animal cruelty.
Dog owners who chain their animals do so as a mode of restraint, to curb bad behavior and keep them settled in one spot. Being stuck in such a manner can cause the animal to be bored or anxious, and to lash out, either barking and disturbing the neighborhood, or attacking others. As the Humane Society says on their website:
In addition to animal welfare concerns, tethering has been proven to be a high risk factor in serious dog bites and attacks. Tethering is unsafe for dogs and for the public, and it is important for advocates and officials to understand this connection, so they can incorporate tethering regulations into effective community dog management strategies.
Tom River, New Jersey has issued similar legislation, making it a class A misdemeanor to tether your dog for extended periods of time. Just as human beings are slowly gaining more rights and equal protection under the law, the plights of animals grows and improves over the years.
See more articles on animal rights.
Source: BarkPost