This week, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 5, a bill that regulates tethering, by a vote of 106-22. The bill was then referred to conference committee between the House and Senate where both chambers agreed on amendments. The bill will now be sent to the governor.
The American Kennel Club has not taken a position on SB 5 or other related tethering bills before the legislature in 2021.
SB 5 has been amended from its introduced version to clarify when suitable shelter must be provided. Amendments additionally clarify the definition of a collar and requirements that a dog have access to an area where it can avoid standing water or exposure to excessive animal waste.
The bill still includes exemptions for training, hunting, walking a dog and other activities that require a dog to be temporarily restrained.
SB 5 is the second tethering bill sent to the Governor in 2021. The Governor vetoed Senate Bill 474 during the 2021 Texas legislative session. You can find a link to our most recent alert on the tethering bills here.
Those who wish to contact Governor Abbott regarding SB 5 may do so here.
AKC Government Relations continues to closely monitor Texas legislation. For more information, contact AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.