Some people might get the impression that the Town of Clayton is more concerned about water consumption than animals. Sound ridiculous?
New rules require owners of new landscaping to obtain a permit if they want to irrigate more often than current rules allow. For the first offense, Clayton will fine you $250. If you tether a dog, the town will fine you $50 the first time. In other words, it is a worse crime irrigate new landscaping without the proper permits than it is to let a dog be chained to a tree outside for possibly several hours.
I don’t think the town intended for people to view the new ordinances negatively. But, for animal lovers like myself, the low violation cost sends the wrong message. I’ve never been a fan of tethering dogs. If you can, install a fence or dog run or keep them enclosed. Owners can crate-train their dogs if they do not want their dog running loose. If you need to tether the dog to wash the car or mow the lawn, that is fine. But leaving a dog tethered all day is unacceptable.
Of course, residents should obey the rules for irrigating new landscaping. But if you irrigate new landscaping without the permit on a wrong day, you get slapped with fines up to $500. You will also face the threat of your water being shut off for 45 days. Fines don’t get that high for animal cruelty. But perhaps, it is time they should.
Comments
good article.
Mon, 10/06/2008 - 16:01 — evden eve nakliyat (not verified)Very nice article.
thnaks
The comment that user Lobo
Fri, 08/15/2008 - 12:32 — paseo03 (author)The comment that user Lobo makes reference to was a personal opinion. It was not a reference to the town's ordinance, which states "animals shall not be tied, chained, fastened, or otherwise tethered to any stationary or inanimate object as a means of confinement or restraint to property, but must be in approved enclosure." This ordinance takes effect next month.
My comment, "If you need to tether the dog to wash the car or mow the lawn, that is fine," was my own belief. If a person is present and caring for the dog while it is tethered, then I do not believe that is being neglectful. Sometimes, people might need to do work outside, but do not want thier dog running loose. Of course, if the dog is tethered all day without shade, food and water, I do believe that is cruel treatment.
tethering animals
Thu, 08/14/2008 - 09:22 — Lobo (not verified)In reference to Clayton's anti-thethering ordinance, paseo03 noted, "If you need to tether the dog to wash the car or mow the lawn, that is fine." However, it is NOT "fine." A review of the hastily-passed ordinance text will indicate that thethering animals to fixed objects is ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED at ALL times. Also, whereas a dog could formerly had the liberty of a 100 foot trolley-type leash system, they can now be legally confined in small enclosures or cages.