Chyrell has asked me to send a message to help clarify the new anti-
tethering law. Per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

"A new dog law takes effect Sept. 1. It prohibits pet owners from
using pinch or choke collars or tying up their dogs outside:

Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Within 500 feet of a school.

When the temperature falls below freezing or whenever ozone or heat
advisories are issued by local or state authorities."

First and foremost, if your dogs are tethered now, please do not let
them loose in a situation where they will be unsafe, either with each
other or where they will climb out, dig under, or chew through a
fence. We believe that this law will be difficult to enforce. Even -
if- it is enforced, there will be a warning before a citation. A dog
getting loose and scaring or hurting another animal or person is MUCH
worse than a warning or even a citation, and will possibly result in
our breed being banned completely. So, please keep those dogs in
regardless of this law. It can only take -one- incident to get these
dogs banned. It has happened in other states, and it can happen here.

Just as important, it is and always has been illegal to confine a dog
with out proper food, water and shelter - shade AND a dog house - .
These dogs should be wearing secure, buckle-type collars - not chains
of any form as a collar. They need socialization, play, attention
and exercise in order to be happy and healthy. Please educate your
neighbors about this.

This law gives the authorities an excuse to come on your property, so
be above reproach in your kennel-keeping, cleanliness and health. Be
a good neighbor and don't give your neighbors a reason to complain.
Again, I am preaching to the choir here - so please spread the word
to everyone you see on the street with a Pit Bull (or Rottie or
Mastiff for that matter).

If you want to switch from chains to kennels, Tractor Supply Company
has a great, pit bull-safe product called a Magnum Kennel. You might
also check the Greensheet, Pennysaver, local paper or Craigslist for
used kennels.

Now, here are the details about the law:
First from RPOA:
==============================================================
From Zandra Anderson
www.TexasDogLawyer.com

I know what was intended by this law, but all the discussion misses
one, very key point. This law ONLY applies to dogs that are
left "outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably
limits the dog's movement..."

Therefore, this law does not do squat UNLESS the dog is on too short
of a chain or tether. That is what so many gloss over. This law does
NOT outlaw pinch collars, having a dog out late, or even in inclement
weather if the dog is on a chain that is long enough.

I doubt this was the intention, but that is the effect. Period. It is
so convoluted that I doubt anyone can even read the thing much less
enforce it.
Zandra
www.TexasDogLawyer.com

Responsible Pet Owners Alliance
900 NE Loop 410 #311-D
San Antonio, TX 78209
Phone: (210) 822-6763
Fax: (210) 822-9038
Website: www. responsiblepetowners. org
$15 Annual dues (January - December)
==================================================================

Here is an article summing up the law:
http://www.star-telegram.com/legislature/story/208805.html

Let's all work in our neighborhoods to save our breed for the next
generation,
-Laura
Show Secretary/Newsletter Ed.