February 22, 2019
The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 27, that would amend the state’s tethering laws and ban dogs from being left tethered outdoors unattended for more than 30 minutes when the temperature is below 32 or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Those who reside or participate in outdoor dog events and activities in Maryland, or have dogs that can thrive outside these temperature ranges, are strongly encouraged to contact the committee and express concerns with how House Bill 501 will impact safe, humane dog activities. Scroll down for committee contact information.
Summary:
The AKC strongly believes that no dog should ever be kept in a situation that endangers its health, wellbeing, or safety. We support current law that states a person may not leave a dog tethered outside unattended in unsafe conditions.
House Bill 501, however, could directly impact field trials, sledding or other winter dog sports, and other winter activities in which dogs can be routinely tethered humanely outside for 30 minutes unattended when the temperature is below 32 degrees.
The bill also does not take into account that certain breeds thrive outside these temperatures, nor does it consider that some breeds require a more moderate climate and even 30 minutes in temperatures permitted under this proposal could jeopardize the dog’s health.
The AKC recommends that this measure be clarified to state instead that a dog should not be left outdoors in conditions where the health and safety of the dog is in immediate danger.
What You Can Do:
- Attend the House Environment and Transportation Committee Hearing and express your concerns with House Bill 501 as introduced and request clarifications. The hearing details are as follows:Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
1:00 pm
House Office Building, Room 250
Annapolis, Maryland
*If you plan to testify, please review the following information.
- Contact the bill sponsor and respectfully ask that she consider amending the bill to address concerns:
Delegate Karen Lewis Young
(410) 841-3436
young@house.state.md.us
- Contact the House Environment and Transportation Committee and respectfully express your concerns with House Bill 501 as introduced and request clarifications to protect humane Visit the committee webpage for contact information.
AKC Government Relations will continue to monitor this bill and provide more information as it becomes available. For questions, please contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.