Wichita Anti-tether Law Considered a Success
The Associated Press
January 4, 2004, WICHITA KANSAS-- Although a few dog owners have been forced
to give up their pets as a result of an ordinance that limits how long
people can keep their dogs tied up, most government officials and animal
lovers consider the 3-month-old law a success.
"We're pleased," said Ellen Querner, president of Pals Animal Rescue, which
urged the City Council to adopt the anti-tethering ordinance. "I guess I can
say that we're pleased with the enforcement."But it will take time before
we're going to be a totally chain-free community. That doesn't happen
overnight."
At least 28 cities and six counties nationwide restrict the tethering of
animals.
Dennis Graves, supervisor of the city's animal control program, said his
department has written about 30 citations for violations of the law. In
other cases, he said, violators have been given warnings and an opportunity
to find other ways to keep their dogs without tethering them."It's depending
on the severity of the situation," Graves said. "If a dog is chained with no
food and water, on a short chain, the owner is given 24 hours, a notice
saying that we've observed this situation and we'll be back tomorrow. "If
it's a good setup, and they just need to fix some holes on a fence, we can
work with them longer. We take each one on a case-by-case basis."
