Is It Legal To Chain Your Dog Outside In The State Of Texas?
Owning a dog is a Texas sized responsibility for any family. Watching after an animal that can't necessarily speak if they're in pain or not is definitely one should handle with the utmost care. But most of time, dogs love to run around, don't they?
For that, they'll definitely need the space to do so. So a yard is sure to help dogs run around and expend some energy. But others, potentially worried that their friend will run away, decide to chain their dog to something to prevent them straying.
However, the question about the dog's health now comes into view. Is the dog truly safer while chained to something? Or does it cause more harm than help? As it turns out, Texas decided on the latter.
Is Chaining A Dog Legal To Do In Texas?
In January of 2022, Senate Bill 5 was passed in the State. The bill itself lists multiple conditions that if violated, could result in the owner of a dog being charged with a misdemeanor at the Class C level. Repeating the offense could result in another charge, this time at the Class B level.
One item mentioned does mention the act of chaining a dog. Section 821.102b states that an individual may not leave a dog outside via these ways:
(1) is a chain;
(2) has weights attached;
(3) is shorter in length than the greater of:
(A) five times the length of the dog, as measured
from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's tail; or
(B) 10 feet; or
(4) is attached to a collar or harness not properly
fitted.
So, don't chain our furry friends! It's ok that run around inside, as long as they don't track mud in right?