Dog Chaining Illegal in Austin
www.kvue.com
June 11, 2007, AUSTIN, TEXAS - Austin will soon be a chain free community. Thursday the Austin city council passed a new ordinance making it illegal to chain up a dog, even inside a private yard.
Animal lovers say it's the right thing to do, that chaining is inhumane and cruel. But others are concerned about dangerous dogs getting loose, and not every one agrees how this will impact Austin neighborhoods.
Some say it will make them safer, others more dangerous.
The sound of barking coming from St. John's neighborhood are made by dogs often tied up in plain sight.
But soon these sounds should be silenced now that the city has passed an ordinance prohibiting dog chaining.
Lyndon Poole, with Chain Free Austin, fought to pass the ordinance. "We're absolutely thrilled," said Poole. “They are more prone to bite; the American Veterinary Association has recognized that dog chaining makes them more aggressive."
He says not only will it help previously chained dogs have a better life, but he believes neighborhoods will be safer, since numerous studies have found chained dogs are more likely to attack.
But not everyone agrees chain free neighborhoods would be safer neighborhoods. "It is a concern," said concerned citizen Antonia Romero. "You don't know if it's going to attack you or not." Romero says unchained dogs could have more encounters with neighborhood children, who may be too trusting of a potentially dangerous dog.
A mail carrier who did not want to talk to us on camera told us off camera postal employees are also concerned about the impact on their own safety.
Still, many Austinites say dog chaining is just wrong.
The ordinance won't take effect until October 1. City officials say first time offenders will be given just a warning on a first violation and a fine on a second, all in hopes of silencing and putting an end to tied up dogs.
Another issue is fencing costs, since many people can't afford it. Two separate funds have been set up to help low income families with up to $250 to build or extend fencing.
If you want or need help, you can get more information at the Town Lake Animal Shelter.
