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Good news for California's canines: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 1578, the bill to outlaw the long-term tethering of dogs, into law in early October. IDA is grateful to our supporters in California who contacted the Governor in response to our Bay Area Alert. Your action helped convince the Governor to protect dogs from being condemned to lives of suffering at the end of a chain.
SB 1578, introduced by Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), prohibits guardians from tethering their dogs to stationary objects for a period of more than three hours. As Governor Schwarzenegger pointed out, "This bill helps protect dogs from cruelty, and enhances public safety by preventing aggressive animal behavior that can result from inhumane tethering." Californians can now report infringements to their local animal control, police, or sheriff's departments. Violators will be charged with an infraction or misdemeanor, depending on the nature and severity of the offense, and would face a fine of as much as $1,000 per dog and/or up to a six month jail sentence.
Governor Schwarzenegger also signed two other pro-animal bills into law in October. SB 1806, introduced by Senator Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont), makes it a crime for guardians to leave animals suffering unattended in vehicles during hot weather, and allows law enforcement officials to enter automobiles to relieve animals when their safety is in danger. SB 1349, introduced by Senator Soto (D-Pomona), increases penalties for animal fighting, and will help curtail illegal dogfighting and cockfighting in the state. Lawbreakers will face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of as much as $5,000 for the first offense, and for a second offense could be charged with a felony, which could lead to a prison sentence and/or up to a $25,000 fine.
If you would like to learn more about ways you can take action, please visit In Defense of Animals Action Center.
