New Rules On Pet Tethering, Animal Abuse Go Into Effect Monday In Pennsylvania

A new law that strengthens animal protection rules in Pennsylvania goes into effect today. Earlier this summer, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the package of bills, known as Libre’s Law. The new rules include increased penalties for animal abuse, guidelines on tethering and added protections for horses, among other things.

The five key elements of the new law are:

1. Improved tethering conditions for outside dogs

Under thew new rules, dogs cannot be tethered for more than nine hours in a 24-hour period. In extreme weather conditions (above 90 degrees or below 30 degrees), dogs should not be tethered for more than 30 minutes. The animal's tether must be longer than three times length of the animal, or at least 10 feet. Tethered dogs must have water and shade and must be secured by an appropriate collar — no tow or log chain, choke, pinch, prong or chain collars. The tethered space must be clear of excessive waste, and there should be no open sores or wounds on the tethered animal's body.

2. Added protections for horses

Currently, most crimes against horses are graded as summary offenses — similar to traffic and littering violations. This law makes penalties for crimes against horses the same as crimes against dogs and cats.

3. Increased penalties for animal abuse

Penalties for neglect: Summary offense (up to 90 days in jail and/or a $300 fine) or misdemeanor of the third degree (up to one year in jail and/or $2,000 fine) if neglect causes bodily injury or places the animal at imminent risk

Penalties for cruelty: Misdemeanor of the second degree (up to two years in jail and/or a $5,000 fine)

Penalties for aggravated cruelty: Felony of the third degree (up to seven years in jail and/or a $15,000 fine)

4. Ensures convicted animal abusers forfeit abused animals to a shelter

The law requires forfeiture of an animal from anyone convicted of a felony violation and allows for fortitude upon other convictions.

5. Grants civil immunity for veterinarians and veterinary technicians

Under the new rules, licensed doctors of veterinary medicine, technicians and assistants who report animal cruelty in good faith will be shielded from lawsuits.

Wolf called Monday a "day of celebration" for animals across Pennsylvania.

“For far too long we have heard stories of neglected and abused animals who suffered or died because of deplorable treatment and horrible living conditions. I am proud that we will now hold our pet and animal owners to a higher standard of humanity," the governor said.