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Downey, CA… 2007 is a good year for animals in
California. At least that’s the perceived message sent from the
Governor’s office with the passage of several new laws, designed to
protect pets, which went in to effect this week. One of the new laws
generating lots of questions from concerned community members is
Health and Safety 122335 – Dog Tethering. It is now illegal to
tether, fasten, chain tie or restrain a dog to a dog house, tree,
fence, or any other stationary object. Violations of this law
constitute a misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine per dog and/or a
six month jail sentence.
“We realize this law could potentially affect
many of our residents within our (SEAACA’s) jurisdiction,” said Dan
Morrison, executive director for SEAACA. SEAACA’s service area which
encompasses cities from South El Monte to the North, Lakewood to the
South, Norwalk to the East and South Gate to the West, twelve cities
in all, is largely residential with thousands of pet owners. “It’s
important to explain to pet owners that our goal is NOT to search
out chained animals and send people to court,” said Morrison. “Our
officers will educate and help folks come into compliance when
possible,” stated Morrison. There are several stipulations in the
statute which are important for pet owners to know, such as:
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Animal control officers may issue “correction
warnings” in lieu of citations, unless the violation endangers the
health or safety of the dog or when a warning had been previously
issued.
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The statute permits walking dogs on a leash,
attaching a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system;
tethering a dog pursuant to campground or recreation area
requirements; tethering a dog no longer than necessary to complete a
temporary task, like washing your car or mowing the lawn, but no
longer than 3 hours; and finally, tethering a dog while engaged in
shepherding or herding livestock.
“Clearly the law allows for tethering in
reasonable circumstances, and we’re confident that when the fine
details are learned by the community, they’ll better understand this
law, its intent and value,” Morrison stated. “This particular law
deals with two issues – the humane care and treatment of dogs and
public safety,” said Captain Aaron Reyes, SEAACA’s director of
operation. “Tying up a dog for extended periods of time is terribly
inhumane and drives dogs nuts…literally,” Reyes said. “Dogs are
social beings, and need to interact with us, explore, exercise and
to feel like part of the family unit…they cannot do that when
they’re tied to the tree in backyard all day and night,” Reyes
explained. Public safety is enhanced because there will be
potentially fewer angry and frustrated dogs waiting for the chance
to escape and roam throughout the neighborhood.
Other new laws are Penal Code 597b – Animal and
Cock Fighting (Punishments increased). It is now a higher grade
Misdemeanor crime to fight animals, punishable by one-year in jail
and/or a $5000 fine. A second offense is punishable as a Felony and
may result in a 2-3 year jail sentence and/or a $25,000 fine.
Lastly, Penal Code 597.7 Confining Animals in a
Motor Vehicle, a new law, authorizes animal control, humane and
police officers to break into a vehicle where an animal’s safety
appears to be in immediate danger, such as on hot days.
“Unfortunately, this occurs in our service area several times a
year, so we’re pleased to have another tool to help us better
protect the animals,” said Captain Reyes.
SEAACA’s animal control officers have been
instructed to educate the public in these laws during the first part
of 2007. Quality policing (even with animal law enforcement) must
include a balanced education and enforcement approach. “We’ll make
sure our residents know of these laws and we’ll do what we can to
assist them with embracing these new animal protection statutes,”
Morrison stated.
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Animal
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