Councilman: Make Chaining Dogs Illegal
www.katc.com
February 15, 2004, LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA -- You see it in neighborhoods, maybe even your own. Dogs tied to a tree or a fence. Some say it's cruel, but it isn't against the law. KATC found out it could become law in Lafayette parish.
Less than two months ago a Lafayette man was charged with animal cruelty. In his yard he had six dead dogs still chained, and four others also chained.
Councilman Chris Williams wants to change the law. If enough councilmen agree, then tying, chaining, or bounding an animal will be considered cruel and against the law.
Williams says he sees it all the time, but it hit-home recently when he saw a dog break free from the tree it was tied to.
Chris Williams, Lafayette City-Parish Councilman: The animal had lost all equilibrium. The animal could not walk straight. It was walking sideways, because it had been in a circular motion for so many months, or even years.
This is just one change in animal cruelty laws Chris Williams is suggesting. He'll talk about it and other laws, like proper housing for animals at tonight's council meeting.
The council will vote at a later time.
