HB 6857

Abstract

Amends the Humane Care for Animals Act. Provides that a dog may be tethered outdoors only if certain requirements are met. Provides that, even if those requirements are met, "it is unlawful to tether a dog outdoors between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am; except that a dog of any age may be temporarily tethered, tied, or chained outdoors for a time period not exceeding 15 minutes or a dog may be tethered if it has access to adequate shelter and protection from the weather". Provides that this prohibition shall not apply to certain classes of activities. Provides that a person convicted of violating this prohibition is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor and that a second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony with every day that a violation continues constituting a separate offense. Requires the court to order the convicted person to undergo a psychological or psychiatric evaluation and to undergo treatment that the court determines to be appropriate after due consideration of the evaluation, if the convicted person is a juvenile or a companion animal hoarder. Provides that nothing in this prohibition shall be construed to supersede the duties of an owner as otherwise specified in the Act. Defines "tether".