City Council Bans Tethering Of Unattended Dogs
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The Los Angeles City Council on Aug 3 approved an ordinance that bans pet owners from tethering dogs, then leaving them unattended. The ordinance, the brainchild of Capt. David Diliberto of L.A. Animal Services, is aimed at preventing dogs from hanging, strangling or otherwise injuring themselves.

"This is something I've been working on for two years," he said. "It's a personal issue for me."

Diliberto said state law prohibits dogs owners from tying up dogs where they are unable to reach food, water and shelter.

"But it's too vague. This ordinance defines what is proper food, water and shelter," he said.

The ordinance, approved on second reading without discussion, does not ban dog runs, only tying dogs to fixed objects. Still, dogs on runs must be able to reach food, water and shelter, Diliberto said.

Exceptions will be made in cases where dogs are temporarily tethered, for washing, or while a fence is being mended.

Karen Knitscheer of L.A. Animal Services said animal control officers will issue warnings to violators. Those who repeatedly ignore warnings, however, will be cited.

"So many tethered dogs get entangled and hang themselves," she said. "It's to prevent animal cruelty."

Published by NBC 4 - Aug 3, 2005: http://www.nbc4.tv/news/4805561/detail.html?rss=la&psp=news