FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. -- Dog owners in Frederick County won't be able to keep their pets tied up for longer than 10 hours a day because of a new anti-chaining law that went into effect Thursday.Animal rights groups in Maryland are celebrating the new law that says dog owners are neglectful if they chain their dogs outside for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
"We're trying to do the right thing to get people to better take care of their animals," said Harold Domer, director of Frederick County Animal Control.
Domer said the law is three years of hard work that has finally come together. The county's new dog protection law will mean harsher penalties for people who mistreat their dogs."It's unfair to leave a dog out all day in bad weather conditions. It's just not fair," Domer said.The law that requires new outdoor shelter structures and care procedures is highlighted by a restraint section that says dogs cannot be chained or tethered outside for more than 10 hours in a 24-hour period. A non-choke collar or harness must be used and the tether must be a minimum of 10 feet.The law says people who are caught violating the rules will have 30 days to fix the problems.Those who don't abide by the new law will also face penalties. The first offense will be $50, the second will be $75 and three or more will cost $100 each plus the possibility of losing your dog.Dog owners 11 News spoke with seemed to agree with the new laws; however, some said that every situation is different."I don't see why people would do that," said dog owner Jackie Brohawn regarding dog tethering."I think in some cases, tethered is good. It's just very situational," said owner Brad Blumenauer.Officials said they're hoping anyone who observes tethering that breaks the law will call animal control.
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