Seek anti tethering law, hike in pet license fees

Pet owners may want to think twice before chaining their companions down in public as the city is cracking down on tethering animals.
The City Council Health Committee held a meeting on Friday, December 17 examining the propositions of new legislation that would promote animal safety and wellbeing.
One bill advocated by Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr., aims at preventing animals from being restrained outdoors for longer than three hours. Another bill spearheaded by Councilmember Jessica Lappin focuses on allowing the city to raise license fees for unaltered dogs from $11.50 to $34 with a $25.50 surcharge.
Along with examining the legislation brought by the councilmembers, the committee also heard testimony from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
“Chaining a dog and leaving it for hours is fair neither to the dog nor the people that must walk past it. This type of abuse can turn the nicest pet into an attack dog,” Vallone said.
“We must send a message that this is no way to care for an animal,” he added.
Vallone’s proposed legislation would charge first time offenders with a warning, second-time offenders with a $250 fine, and subsequent offenders with $500 fines and a possible 90 days in prison.
“We have no intention of punishing people who run into the grocery store and leave their dog outside,” he said.
“We want to stop people who treat dogs cruelly as a way of life.” Vallone added.
Lappin, also an advocate of animal safety, wants to implement a government-backed system that registers pets and monitors the neutering and spaying of dogs.
She feels that along with creating a healthier environment for animals, the system would improve the local economy as well.
“We want to encourage people to be responsible pet owners and get their dogs spayed and neutered” Lappin said.
“Compared to cities across the country, our fees are pretty low. We have seen in other places where the fees are higher and it has made a difference. It creates a way to make revenue for those who haven’t done so yet,” she added.
Vallone and Lappin look to gain support from other city officials as well as local residents.