Report Title:

Dogs; Tethering

 

Description:

Prohibits tethering of dogs to fixed objects.  Imposes a fine for violation.  Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules to implement tethering prohibition.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1321

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to animals.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that tethering dogs to stationary objects, such as fences, trees, or dog houses, causes the animals to suffer and increases the likelihood that the dog will be a danger to the public.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, tethering a dog can contribute to its aggressive behavior.  An article published in the association's journal in 2000 reported that chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite than unchained dogs.

Children are the most common victims of attacks by tethered dogs.  An article published by the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that twenty-eight per cent of children killed by pet dogs between 1979 and 1988 were attacked while the dog was chained.

The purpose of this Act is to protect the health and safety of dogs and the public by prohibiting dog tethering.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 143, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§143-    Tethering of dogs prohibited.  (a)  No person shall tether a dog to any object except in accordance with subsection (b).

     (b)  This section shall not be construed to prohibit:

     (1)  Attaching a dog to a safe running line, pulley, or trolley system for a reasonable period of time; or

(2)  Tethering or restraining a dog for no longer than is necessary to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be tethered or restrained for a reasonable period of time.

(c)  The department of agriculture shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to implement this section.

(d)  A person who violates this section or the rules adopted pursuant to subsection (c) shall be fined not more than $100 for the first offense and not less than $100 or more than $500 for each subsequent offense."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun, before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.


     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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