City Of San Antonio: Safe Outdoor Dogs Act Signed By Governor; Bans Chaining

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

CONTACT: Lisa Norwood, 210.207.6665
Lisa.norwood@sanantonio.gov

SAN ANTONIO (October 26, 2021) – A new law recently signed by Governor Greg Abbott will help ensure more humane care for San Antonio’s companion animals. The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act (or Senate Bill No. 5) bans the use of chains for tethering outside dogs as well as mandates necessities such as shelter, shade, and clean water. Under the new law, dog owners may only use humane tethers such as trolley systems or “ziplines” and all allowable tethers must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness. Violations are considered a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act mirrors two San Antonio ordinances already on the books and it further supports their enforcement by escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Residents who have previously been convicted of the law can face a Class B Misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 180 days in the County jail and/or a fine up to $2 thousand dollars. The new law goes into effect January 18th of next year.

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.