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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 037-11
February 1, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION PROHIBITING THE TETHERING OF ANIMALS FOR MORE THAN THREE HOURS

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The first of two bills before me today is Introductory Number 425-A, sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Brewer, Cabrera, Dromm, Ferreras, Foster, Gentile, Koppell, James, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Vacca, Lappin, Weprin, Recchia, Lander, Gennaro, Crowley, Garodnick, Palma, Reyna, Rodriguez, Sanders, Halloran, Jackson and Gonzalez.  Introductory Number 425-A prohibits the restraining of animals for more than three hours in any continuous twelve-hour period.

"Introductory Number 425-A restricts the tethering of animals to three hours in any continuous twelve-hour period and requires an owner to provide adequate food, water, shelter, and a leash that allows for natural movement whenever leaving an animal tied up for more than fifteen minutes.  Introductory Number 425-A also prohibits the use of tethering devices that pinch or choke the animal, have weights or links that are more than a quarter-inch thick, may cause an animal to be entangled, are long enough that would allow the animal to leave an owner's property, or is restrictive so that the would cause the animal to choke.  Cases of abusive tethering will be referred to the ASPCA and violators will be guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

"The tethering of animals to a stationary object for long periods of time can cause animals to suffer physically and psychologically.  In addition to being dangerous and inhumane to the animal, tethering can also endanger the safety of humans.  A tethered dog becomes very aggressive and territorial.  This creates a significant safety risk to humans, particularly small children - as a tethered dog is three times more likely to bite than a dog that is not chained or tethered.  Restricting the type of and duration of tethering - along with other animal control measures - can reduce dog attacks, dog fighting, and animal cruelty.

"I would like to thank Health Commissioner Thomas Farley and his staff along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation."







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