Ohio dog owners who leave their pets tethered in extreme hot or cold, overnight or while away from home would be subject to a fine and possibly jail time under a bill introduced Monday in the Ohio House.
House Bill 94 would make tethering an animal under the following conditions illegal:
- for longer than six consecutive hours in a 24-hour period
- between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- if a heat or cold advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service
- if the rope, chain or similar restraint is less than 20 feet long
- if no owner or occupant is present
- if a choke, prong or ill-fitting collar is used
The proposed state law mirrors a Cleveland city ordinance passed in 2012.
Bill sponsor Rep. John Barnes Jr., a Cleveland Democrat, said he hopes the bill generates discussion about Ohio’s animal cruelty laws and owner responsibility.
Twenty-five states and Washington, D.C. have restrictions on tethering animals, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
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