Texas Senate Bill 1090 will criminalize law-abiding dog owners with healthy, well-cared for dogs
Senate Bill 1090 ban the use of any chains, and mandates specific requirements for the lengths of all other tethers. While the bill attempts to provide exemptions for hunting, dog trials and dog shows, and other common agricultural or sporting practices, these dog owners must still be present at all times or face a criminal offense and fines of up to $2,000.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all law that criminalizes dog owners, it would be better to judge a tethered dog by the totality of care provided and its health. Senate Bill 1090 will criminalize law-abiding dog owners with healthy, well-cared for dogs.
Make no mistake; this is not about water, shelter, or any other canine care requirements. There are felony laws on the books right now to address any issue of neglect or abuse that should arise. This is about government overreach concerning canine containment!
In today’s society, dog containment is necessary to protect not only the animal but also the neighbor’s patience and interaction with their animals, as well as the dog owner of him/herself from liability.
All equipment must be regularly maintained to prevent injury or escape of the dog. Each owner’s property will differ, so no one containment method works for all. The key to having a healthy, happy dog is it is all around care and nurturing. That care and nurturing must include training, socialization, attention, and exercise and play time. Neglect is cruel but proper tethering, with either a chain or cable, is not.
