Bill meant to improve treatment of chained dogs

By Cy Ryan

Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 3:20 p.m.

CARSON CITY – Dog owners will have to be more careful in how they treat their pets in the future.

The Assembly has given final legislative passage to a bill that makes it illegal for an owner to use a chain, tether or pulley system that is less than 12 feet in length to tie up their dogs. And it would be illegal to use a pinch or choke collar or similar device.

The vote was 32-8 with Republicans in opposition.

Assemblyman Ed Goedhart of Amargosa Valley complained the bill might be used as a tool for feuding neighbors. One might report the other, he said.

Assemblyman Don Gustavson of Sparks said the bill might have “unintended consequences.” A person may have to work a second shift and may not get home in time to untie the dog.

The bill says a dog may not be tied up for more than 14 hours in any 24 hour period.

But Assemblyman James Ohrenschall, D-Las Vegas said animal control officers from Clark and Washoe counties told of instances in which dogs were tied up 24 hours a day for a week.

Assemblywoman Sheila Leslie, D-Reno, said there was a case in her district where a dog was tied up with a 6-foot chain and was unable to exercise. The dog was left out in 6 degree weather in the winter and 100 degrees in the summer, she said.

She said that as long as the owner provided a bowl of water there was nothing the animal control officers could do.

Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, said he has received more than 300 e-mails on the bill.

The bill also requires that a pen or an outdoor enclosure must be adequate in size to allow the dog to use it.

The measure has eight exemptions, including dogs being treated by a veterinarian, being used in hunting, participating in a dog show or being in a farm where “the restraint is reasonably necessary to ensure the safety of the dog.”

Besides Gustavson and Goedhart, the other no votes were cast by Tyrus Cobb of Reno, Pete Goicoechea of Eureka, John Hambrick of Las Vegas, Joe Hardy of Boulder City, James Settelmeyer of Gardnerville and Richard McArthur of Las Vegas.