SB 272 Tethering animals; adequate shelter and space
SUMMARY AS PASSED SENATE: (all summaries)
Tethering animals; adequate shelter and space. Provides that outdoor tethering of an animal that is not actively engaged in conduct related to an agricultural activity does not meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate shelter if it occurs (i) between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; (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 increases certain minimum tether length requirements to meet the requirement that an animal be given adequate space by requiring that a tether be at least 15 feet in length or four times the length of the animal, whichever is greater. Current law requires the tether to be at least 10 feet in length or three times the length of the animal, whichever is greater. The bill also authorizes the governing body of any locality to adopt, and make more stringent, ordinances that parallel certain state provisions related to care of companion animals.
