POUGHKEEPSIE – A proposed law that would make it illegal to tether a dog outside for more than 12 hours is headed toward approval in Dutchess County. The Government Services and Administration Committee of the county legislature approved the law Thursday evening.
Jackie Rose, executive director of the Dutchess SPCA, pushed for the measure saying it would protect companion animals from the elements.
“It has been an interesting winter to put this bill forward,” Rose said. “The number of animals that have come to us who are suffering because of being tethered outside – frostbite, emaciation – it’s egregious that people are allowed to do that and we are just looking for some tools to provide some enforcement and a bit of leverage for our officers who are responding. I can tell you we responded to over 120 calls this past year in 2014 for animals in these situations.”
The full county legislature will vote on the proposal next Monday.
Last year, the Ulster County Legislature adopted a similar local law.
One dead in car crash off Rt. 17 in Wurtsboro
May 18, 2024
