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| Legislative Action Alert!! |
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PA House Bill # 1065
Attention Pennsylvania Residents!
We all have passed a dog chained up 24/7 pacing in the mud, freezing in the cold or sweltering hot summer sun and miserable. And, all of us wish we could have done something for that animal's suffering because no dog should have to live his life on the end of a chain. Now you can do something about it!
This bill will not affect responsible dog owners! Leashes and temporary tie-outs are permitted. The goal is to prevent dogs from being chained to a stationary object such as a dog house, tree, etc. for their entire lives.
House Bill 1065 has passed out of the Judiciary Committee and is currently in the Appropriations Committee while amendments to the bill are being considered. The current proposed amendments will only weaken this already moderate bill.
Please contact your Pennsylvania State Representative and ask him or her to vote YES for HB1065 without amendments when it goes to the House Floor for a vote!
WHY: Why does Pennsylvania need an anti-tethering law?
Current animal cruelty laws allow a dog to be chained to a stationary object for its entire life, as long as MINIMAL food, water and shelter are provided. A large percentage of cruelty complaints made to Humane Officers and Police are of dogs that are tethered. These are the dogs that most often suffer from sporadic feedings, dirty/no water, insufficient/no shelter and parasites. (Even when food and water are made available, dishes are easily knocked over.) Embedded collars are more common than you might think. By restricting this practice, it will no longer be possible for people to use continuous tethering as a means for dealing with a dog who has become an "inconvenience".
WHAT: The PA anti-tethering bill (HB1065) addresses:
- Limits the amount of time dogs can be tethered in a 24 hour period.
(Dog may not be tethered at night unattended.)
- Proper fitting collars - no pinch, prong or chain collars.
- Access to shade - doghouse does not constitute shade.
- Tether shall not become entangled. Minimum length requirements. No tow chains for tethers.
ACTION ITEM: PLEASE SEND A HANDWRITTEN LETTER/NOTE TO YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AT HIS/HER DISTRICT OFFICE (Not Harrisburg Office).
PA House Bill 1065
Click on the above link to:
- Access HB1065. The box in the upper right hand corner entitled
"Find Legislation By" allows you to enter the bill number. You must
place an "H" in front of the number.
- Find your legislator by entering your zip+4 in the box entitled
"Find Members By".
- Obtain the contact information for your legislator using the alphabetical listing.
Please note that handwritten letters have the most impact, followed by a fax, a phone call, and a personally composed e-mail. The fact that you care enough about the issue to personally write and ask for support is extremely valuable. Your letter can be as simple as mentioning that you are a constituent and wish to see this bill become law. Always mention the bill number (1065) as well as its topic (Anti-Tethering). If possible include a brief, personal experience which highlights why this issue is important to you.
We have prepared a sample letter that can be printed and mailed if you prefer. Just direct it to your representative and sign it. Click here for a printable letter.
information provided by Adams County SPCA |
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