Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray reminds pet owners that Texas Senate Bill (also known as the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act went into effect Tuesday.
The new law prohibits the restraint of any dog by chain or any other type of restraint if a weight is attached.
The law does allow for the lawful tethering of a dog if certain conditions are met.
These conditions include: that the material being used to tether the dog be five times the length of the dog or ten feet (whichever length is greater); the tether not be attached to a weight or made of a chain; the collar or harness of the dog be properly fitted; and the dog must have adequate shelter, shade from direct sunlight, potable water and an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste.
The law defines “Adequate Shelter” as a sturdy structure that provides the dog protection from inclement weather and with dimensions that allow the dog, while in the shelter, to stand, sit, turn around and lie down in a normal position.
There are some exceptions to this law, with the most important being that you can still walk your dog on a handheld leash, and tethers can be used in a public camping or recreational area.
A violation of this law is punishable as a Class C Misdemeanor for the first offense but any subsequent violation of this law, after conviction, is punishable as a Class B Misdemeanor.
Chief Ray reported that Dublin officers traveled around town in advance of the law and noticed a couple of household which would have been in violation of the law.
“Our officers are going to be on the lookout for any in violation of the new law,” Ray confirmed.
Ray also reminded the community of several city ordinances that relate to dog ownership:
City of Dublin Code Section 10-106 Permitted Animals:
No person shall harbor or keep more than four dogs or four cats, or any combination of cats and dogs when the total exceeds four animals, over the age of ten weeks, except in an animal pound, clinic or hospital.
City of Dublin Code Section 10-107 Vaccination Required:
No person shall own, keep or harbor a dog or cat over the age of four months within the city limits unless the dog or cat has been vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian with an anti-rabies vaccine, and licensed by the city. Said animal shall be vaccinated periodically at one-year intervals from the initial date of vaccination.
City of Dublin Code Section 10-103 Restraint of Animals
Every person who owns, keeps or is in charge of an animal shall restrain the animal at all times. Restrain in this code must be in accordance with state law and includes a fenced yard, kennel or other means of containment for the animal.
City of Dublin Code Section 10-104 Noise
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep or be in control of any animal which causes unreasonably loud or unnecessary noise that causes material distress or discomfort to a person, or persons of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity.
Ray also had issued the following statement to Dublin residents:
“We always ask for voluntary compliance with these codes/ordinances and any other codes/ordinances but please remember that they are all punishable by citation and enforceable by the City of Dublin Code Enforcement Officer Keith Riley or any officer of the Dublin Police Department.
“If you have questions or concerns about these animal related issues, you are welcome to contact Code Enforcement Officer Keith Riley at Dublin City Hall 254-445-3331 or you may contact the Dublin Police Department at 254-445 3455 Option 1 for administrative offices Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Option 2 for dispatch after hours.
“As always, we thank you for doing your part to be a responsible member of our community and responsible dog owner. If myself or any other member of the Dublin Police Department can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.”