OPINION: Dog-tethering law is finally signed by Gov. Abbott

Originally Featured The Beaumont Enterprise

PHOTO BY: RYAN WELCH
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 1, 2021

It took a lot longer than it should have, but a long-overdue bill to humanely limit the ways in which dogs can be tethered outside in Texas has finally been signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott. We’d like to say it’s just in time for the cold winter weather coming to our state, but thanks to Abbott’s strange reluctance, the bill won’t take effect until Jan. 18. That’s well into the cold weather for many parts of Texas.

A similar version of this bill was passed in the regular session that ended in May after years of effort and compromises by its supporters and sponsor, state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville. It passed by solid bipartisan margins in the House and Senate. Abbott’s office gave no indication as the bill was taking shape that it had any problems with the legislation.

But then Abbott abruptly vetoed it, apparently giving in to the faction of voters who regard any restriction on them in any way — such as wearing a mask or getting a vaccine to protect them from a deadly disease — as a sneaky violation of their personal rights.

What these people do with their own lives in one thing, but no one has the “right” to mistreat pets or livestock. This bill — Senate Bill 5, known as the “Safe Outdoor Dogs” Act — finally address some longstanding problems with dogs that are tethered.

It bans the use of heavy chains, weights or improperly fitted collars. It requires animals housed outside to have adequate shelter that keeps them safe from inclement weather and allows them to sit, stand and move around comfortably. The dog must also be able to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste.

Most importantly, it also gives law enforcement the right to seize a dog that is tethered inhumanely and in danger of dying. Previously, the owner had to be given 24 hours notice to correct the problem. Sheriff’s deputies said that was often a death sentence for the dog, especially in rural areas where the dog couldn’t be checked upon as easily as in cities by municipal police.

If Abbott had signed this bill into the law the first time it passed the Legislature, it would have taken effect Sept. 1 instead of mid-January. He didn’t even add it to the agenda to the first two special sessions he called, focusing instead on non-issues like “election security” in a state with secure election.

Finally, he added it to the agenda for the third session. That’s better than nothing, but dog owners don’t have to wait for this bill to formally become law to treat their pets kindly. They can start right now — and continue to give their dogs all the love and socializing they crave every day of their lives.

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Jessica Hagmaier published this page in Latest News 2021-11-06 19:33:27 -0500