VA: Staunton Considering Puppy Tethering Ordinance

Staunton Considering Puppy Ordinance
Posted: Apr 02, 2010 9:32 PM EDT Updated: Apr 02, 2010 9:32 PM EDT


Staunton City Council is calling on the city to draft an ordinance that would prohibit dog owners from chaining and tethering puppies. The ordinance is aimed at curbing dog abuse in the city.

Staunton City Councilor Bruce Elder says he's seen far too many dogs chained and tethered in Staunton when they shouldn't be. He hopes this ordinance will help prevent what he calls an increase in animal cruelty.

Gypsy Hill Park was crowded with dog walkers Friday afternoon. Owners say they love getting out and enjoying the summer-like temperatures with their so-called best friends. The potential ordinance would make the chaining of all dogs under four months old illegal. It would also prohibit owners from tethering all dogs between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am.

Some dog lovers say they would never consider chaining their dogs at night and don't understand why some people do.

Dog owner Michael Johnson says, "I think it would be a problem keeping them tied down at night time. We don't do it with our dog. We've never done it. And we will never consider doing anything like that especially if she's in a confined space.

Dog owner Dorris Cogar says, "I think all dogs should be tethered when they're being walked and when they're with people, but when they're alone they should never be tethered in their yard. If you can't afford a fence you shouldn't have a dog." Cogar says tethered dogs become mean and angry because they aren't free to roam around and get exercise.

This ordinance is still being debated. If the legislation goes through, owners who do not comply could face misdemeanor animal cruelty charges or have their dog taken away.

Reported by Eric Fink

Staunton Considering Puppy Ordinance - NBC29