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2018 SESSION

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SB 872 Tethering animals; outdoor tethering of companion animals, definitions of adequate shelter and space

Introduced by: Lionell Spruill, Sr. | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE:

Tethering animals; adequate shelter and space. Provides that outdoor tethering of a companion animal shall not meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate shelter, unless the animal is actively engaged in an agricultural or hunting activity, when it is conducted (i) when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower or 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; (ii) during a heat advisory; or (iii) during a severe weather warning. The bill provides that a tether shall meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate space if it is four times the length of the animal or 15 feet in length, whichever is greater, and does not cause injury or pain or weigh more than one-tenth of the animal's body weight. The bill exempts agricultural animals from existing provisions related to tethering. The bill also authorizes any locality to adopt ordinances that parallel and make more stringent the state law regarding the care of companion animals.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Tethering animals; adequate shelter and space. Provides that outdoor tethering of an animal shall not meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate shelter if it occurs (i) between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except when the animal is engaged in conduct related to an agricultural activity; (ii) when no owner is on the property; (iii) when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower or 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher; (iv) during a heat advisory; or (v) during a severe weather warning. The bill provides that a tether shall meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate space if it is four times the length of the animal or 15 feet in length, whichever is greater, and does not cause injury or pain, contain metal chain links, or weigh more than one-tenth of the animal's body weight. The bill also authorizes any locality to adopt ordinances that parallel and make more stringent the state law regarding the care of companion animals.