New Rules To Keep Dogs Outside The House In Austin From Next Year

In Senate Bill 5, popularly known as the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, Austin, Texas was signed into law on Monday after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a virtually identical bill earlier this year.

After facing criticism for vetoing the last plan, which passed both Texas chambers with significant bipartisan support, the governor gave it a second shot during the third special legislative session, with minor revisions. “Texas is no place for this kind of micro-managing and over-criminalization,” Abbott stated at the time.

Some of the significant changes include the prohibition of chain tethers and weights, the provision of adequate shelter for dogs during extreme weather events, the provision of clean drinkable water for dogs, the use of a correctly fitted collar on your dog, and the restraint of dogs must be made carefully. In addition, the dog must be able to sit, stand, and walk around comfortably.

In circumstances of inhumane treatment, the new law eliminates the 24-hour waiting time for law enforcement to intervene.

The definition of adverse weather and the material for a dog’s collar is the only variations from the previous bill vetoed by the governor. In addition, dogs must be allowed to avoid standing water and excessive animal waste. According to the new regulation, a dog may also be left in a truck bed for as long as it is “reasonably necessary for the owner to fulfill a temporary duty,” according to the new regulation.

A violation is a Class C misdemeanor that escalates to a Class B misdemeanor if it is committed multiple times.

She also stated that providing a dog with drinkable water was not required.

From January 18, 2022, the law will take effect.

Source: KVUE