AKC Government Relations just learned that the Buffalo Common Council Legislative Committee is considering a proposal tomorrow (Tuesday, December 18) that would prohibit the humane tethering of dogs outdoors for over one hour unless the temperature is above 32 degrees or below 90 degrees.
Those who reside or participate in dog events in Buffalo are strongly encouraged to contact the council prior to tomorrow’s hearing. Scroll down for contact information.
Summary:
The AKC strongly believes that no dog should ever be kept in a situation where its health or safety is at risk. However, this proposal is so broad that it could prohibit certain instances of humane and safe tethering outdoors. As written, the bill could restrict outdoor training, events, or even grooming a dog outdoors or keeping a dog temporarily tethered in a person’s yard.
In addition, this bill includes “leashing…or otherwise restraining a dog to any object stationary or otherwise.” It is unclear if the broad wording would include walking a dog on a leash for over an hour if the temperature is under 32 degrees or above 90 degrees.
The only exemptions are for hunting dogs (a dog that is trained to aid in taking of wildlife and has actually been used for this purpose) and working dogs trained to herd/protect livestock or used in conjunction with farming or agricultural purposes.
Talking Points:
AKC believes that specific temperature requirements are arbitrary and do not consider the needs of specific breeds that may thrive in temperatures outside these ranges or those dogs that may not be able to tolerate even these temperatures. AKC instead believes that dogs should never be tethered outside in a situation or manner that could jeopardize their health and safety.
It should also be noted that New York State Law already prohibits leaving dogs outside in inclement weather without ready access or the ability to enter a permanent structure.
What You Can Do:
Those who own or participate in outdoor activities with dogs in the City of Buffalo are strongly encouraged to contact the council Legislation Committee and members of the council TODAY and consider attending tomorrow’s hearing. If you have a specific example of a situation where you would humanely tether a dog when the temperature is outside these temperature ranges, please be sure to include that in your communication.
Hearing Information:
City of Buffalo Legislation Committee Hearing
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
2:00 pm
Council Chambers
Buffalo City Hall
Buffalo, NY
Legislation Committee Members:
Chairman David A. Franczyk
dfranczyk@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 4138
Joseph Golombek, Jr.
jgolombek@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5116
David A. Rivera
darivera@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5125
Christopher P. Scanlon
cscanlon@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5169
Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr.
uwingo@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5145
Other Buffalo City Council Members:
Council President Darius G. Pridgen
dpridgen@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 4980
Joel P. Feroleto (sponsor)
jferoleto@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5155
Richard A. Fontana
rfontana@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5151
Rasheed N.C. Wyatt
rwyatt@city-buffalo.com
(716) 851 – 5165
AKC Government Relations and the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State are continuing to monitor this bill and communicate concerns to the council. For more information on this bill, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.