Chain-Free Ordinance Takes Effect (Austin, TX)

[Rene Allegrini]

Chain-Free Ordinance Takes Effect

Oct 1, 2007

Starting Monday in the city of Austin, it is illegal to chain your dog in your yard.

A new ordinance takes effect that requires dog owners to fence in their dogs without a chain if they're going to leave them outside.

The new ordinance requires that each dog over 6 months of age must have at least 150 square feet to roam free without a leash or chain. That dog must be secured inside a fence.

The reason this ordinance was passed is because research has proven that dogs that live their life at the end of a chain can become aggressive from having little interaction with other animals.

Dogs can also get their chain wrapped around a tree, making it hard for them to reach water, shelter or even causing them to strangle themselves.

Of course, building a fence can be expensive, and if you're on a tight budget, you may not have the money.

Tony Martinez contacted a group called Chain Free Austin for assistance in building his fence for his dogs.

"It wasn't difficult at all. I think my wife may have applied online, and we got a response very quickly, and we got an approval very quickly," said Martinez.

"If they need to mend a fence that they already have, they are eligible for $100. If they need to create a fence, they are eligible for a $175 voucher," said Susan Hendrix with Chain Free Austin.

Go to the Chain Free Austin Web site if you're interested in having them help you out or if you would like to make a donation.

So how will this ordinance be enforced? It's a matter of a neighbor telling on another neighbor. Any incidents reported will be checked out by police or animal control officers.

You'll receive a warning the first time and a citation the next time.

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