Jun 06 2008
Vote Delayed on Dog Tethering in Orange
The proposed rules would limit tethering to three hours in a 24-hour period, specify the equipment that can be used for tethering and set minimum sizes for outdoor pens. The rules would be implemented after an 18-month public education period.
At Tuesday’s hearing, supporters said tethering restrictions would improve animal welfare, protect public safety and reduce the number of unwanted puppies.
“The overwhelming information about this issue is that the quality of life for dogs, and their well-meaning humans, would be improved if tethering was limited or eliminated entirely,” she said.
In case you can’t tell by now, I take a pretty dim view of any government inference in anyone’s life… but this is the exception. I’ve had dogs my entire life, and I vividly remember helping my dad build two different fences at two different houses so that our dogs could have a fenced-in yard. Tethering dogs isn’t nesacarily cruel, but it’s not treating them kindly either. Dogs, especially big ones, need room to run around and play.
You want a dog? Build a freakin’ fence! If that’s too hard, or not possible for you, then don’t get a dog. Or get a small one that stays inside most of the day.
