Bill > S1056

This bill aims to improve enforcement for tethering violations by amending Section 174E of Chapter 140 of the General Laws in Massachusetts. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Defining "outside and unattended" as any dog exposed to the elements for longer than 15 minutes and not within the visual range and physical presence of the owner, including dogs in securely fenced-in yards, kennels, or tethered. 2. Prohibiting the tethering, confining, or chaining of a dog in a manner that allows the dog to leave the owner's property. 3. Expanding the types of collars prohibited for tethering to include pinch collars and choke collars, in addition to chains. 4. Requiring that the entrance to any shelter provided for a tethered dog allow the dog's entry and exit, and have a flap or other mechanism sturdy enough to block weather elements in adverse conditions. 5. Removing the exception that allows tethering for up to 15 minutes, making all unattended tethering outside the owner's property prohibited. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance the protection and welfare of dogs by restricting tethering practices and ensuring appropriate shelter for tethered dogs.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1056