05/30/2018
https://www.facebook.com/FAACAC/posts/1704736106285601
Update: After the June 4 public meeting, the bill was amended to clarify/tighten some provisions, with the amendment approved 7-0 by the County Council. Another hearing and final vote on the bill is scheduled for the council’s June 18 meeting. The text of the amended bill:http://www.aacounty.org/departments/county-council/legislation/bills-and-resolutions/AMENDED%20BILL%20NO.50-18.pdf
The Anne Arundel County Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing June 4 on an important piece of pet-related legislation: a bill that would limit how long a dog can be tethered/chained outside and also require that owners provide more adequate outdoor shelter for their dogs.
As introduced by Councilman John Grasso, Bill 50-18 would prohibit owners from tethering a dog outside except while the owner completes "a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period," which the bill defines as no more than three hours in a 24-hour period. Any tethering would be prohibited when the temperature was below freezing or above 89 degrees Fahrenheit.
The legislation also outlines new requirements for dogs' outdoor shelters, including waterproof roofs, solid walls and dry, insulating bedding. It requires that dogs outdoors have access to a run or fenced area of at least 100 square feet in addition to their required shelter, with an unspecified portion of that area shaded during hotter months.
The council meets at 7 p.m June 4 on the first floor of the Arundel Center, 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis. (Sign-up to speak at 6:30 p.m.)
Text of the proposed bill:http://www.aacounty.org/departments/county-council/legislation/bills-and-resolutions/PROPOSED%20BILL%20NO.50-18.pdf
(This is a stock photo)