CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Unlawful Tethering of a Dog

The Barbaric Act of Tethering: How it is Penalized under California Law

The State of California has implemented several animal cruelty laws, and tethering dogs on stationary objects, such as poles, trees, doghouses, and fences, is one of them. Enforcers take this crime seriously; hence, police officers proactively monitor dog-tethering violations and charge them as infractions or misdemeanors.

Infractions result in a $250 fine for every tethered dog, whereas misdemeanor charges can make you pay up to $1,000 and spend six months in a county jail for every dog you unlawfully tied. However, there are specific exceptions to these laws, including camping and recreational areas, training facilities, dog shows, and agricultural endeavors. Tethering dogs to a running line system is permissible provided that the leash moves along an upper wire, and the dog does not have a choke or pinch collar. Additionally, tethering for no more than 3 hours within a 24-hour period is allowed.

For years, dogs have suffered from neglect and abuse while tethered, which is why laws against this practice were created. This unnatural way of isolating dogs from their social environment and exercising necessitated this law. Chained dogs become more aggressive, fearful, and even bored, which could be a potential danger to humans and other animals. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) discovered from a study that tethered animals pose a higher risk of being bitten and, worse, exposed to predators or might even strangle themselves in the tether. These dogs have sores on their skin caused by rubbing collars and are often forgotten, deprived of water and food in extreme cases, rendering it inhumane.

Several responsible pet owners are surprised to know that they could face animal abuse charges for tethering their dogs temporarily or in times of necessity related to safety. They are unaware of the exact time of tethering or how to restrain their dogs while tending to errands or when the dogs are ill, making them particularly vulnerable to charges of animal cruelty. Thus, we encourage dog owners to seek the help of a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer if facing similar charges. An experienced defense attorney may be the key to convincing the prosecutor to dismiss the case or, at worst, charge them with an infraction.

If you have questions about the Health and Safety Code 122335 or the consequences of illegal dog tethering, please contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer now.

Table 1 – Exceptions to Dog-Tethering Laws

| No. | Situation |
| — | ————————————————————————– |
| 1. | Dog tied to a running line system |
| 2. | Dog tied per camping or recreational area regulation |
| 3. | Dog tethered for no more than 3 hours within a 24-hour period |
| 4. | Dog tethered during training facility or dog show |
| 5. | Dog temporarily tethered for safety, i.e., agricultural endeavors, or marketplace |

Table 2 – Consequences of Dog-Tethering Violations

| Violation Type | Consequence |
| — | — |
| Infraction | A $250 fine for every tethered dog |
| Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 fine and 6 months in a county jail |

The barbaric act of tethering and its illegal consequences under California law

What is animal tethering under California law?

One of the most heinous animal cruelty practices is dog-tethering on stationary objects such as poles, trees, doghouses, and fences. In California, this practice is a crime under Health and Safety Code 122335.

What are the consequences of illegal dog tethering under California law?

Police officers are keen on enforcing dog-tethering violations, and perpetrators face charges classified as infractions or misdemeanors. If charged with an infraction, an offender may have to pay a fine of $250 for every tethered dog. However, misdemeanor charges may result in a fine of up to $1,000 per dog and even six months imprisonment.

Table 2 summarizes the consequences of dog-tethering violations.

Are there exceptions to the dog-tethering laws?

There are specific exemptions to California’s anti-dog-tethering legislation:

Table 1 summarizes the exceptions to dog-tethering laws.

Why is dog tethering prohibited?

Dogs are social creatures that need exercise and interaction with people or other animals to be happy. Tethering dogs to a stationary object deprives them of these basic needs and could cause aggression, fear, and boredom. According to the CDC, tethered animals are twice as likely to present a danger of biting and become victims of predators or might even strangle themselves in the tether. This unnatural state often leads to infected sores caused by rubbing collars, and owners sometimes forget their dogs on a tether, denying them of water and food, which is why dog-tethering is considered inhumane.

What if a dog owner breaks the tethering law unknowingly?

Responsible pet owners may encounter animal abuse charges for tethering their dogs temporarily or only for their safety. They could unknowingly break this law, especially when they have to perform errands or when their dogs are sick. But, Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can work towards convincing prosecutors to drop cases against owners when they have broken the tethering law unknowingly.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer if you face charges that may result from this law’s violations.