Anti-animal abuse laws are already in existence. We all know this. However, think about it: Our pets don’t really have legal rights apart from basic protections. As pet owners, we’re obligated to provide the animals we own with food and water. In addition, we’re not allowed to pose physical injury to our pets. But many animal lovers are concerned that pets don’t have enough laws safeguarding them.
A new ordinance in Eastpointe, Michigan, helps give domesticated dogs a bit more protection. The ordinance makes it illegal to keep your dog outside between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. In addition, dogs can’t be left outside if the temperature is below 43 degrees Fahrenheit or above 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Since the weather in Eastpointe has persistently been below the ordinance’s temperature minimum as of late, the city wants to remind residents to keep their dogs indoors to protect them from the chilling winter weather.
But temperatures aren’t the only things dog owners in the Michigan city should be taking note of. Also according to the new law, canines are no longer allowed to be tied up with chains nor are sheds or garages allowed to be used to house dogs.
“This does not include animal chains that are made for dogs. This includes large chains that are not meant for a tethering purpose,” Eastpointe chief animal control officer, Brian Pylar, clarifies.
Note that the ordinance does not ban residents of Eastpointe from taking their dog out to do their business for a brief minute or few during late hours or extreme temperatures and then letting them back inside afterwards. Rather, the ordinance applies to those who leave their canine outdoors for extended periods of time or even overnight.
So far, the ordinance has been receiving both praise and backlash from both dog owners and non-dog owners, all for different reasons. However, most residents and non-residents speak in favor of the regulation.
“If people need to be told, then I question their fitness as pet owners! It’s just common sense. If it’s too hot, too cold, and too late for YOU to be out, then it’s too hot, too cold and too late for your dog or cat to be out!” one person said in agreement.
Although the new ordinance may be an inconvenience for some dog owners and take a bit of time to adapt to, in the end, it can help protect our canines from harm. Even us humans can be benefitted from the recent law.
By only allowing dogs to be kept outside during specific hours, those driving late at night or early in the morning when it’s still dark won’t have to worry about accidentally running over a small, dark dog on their commute. In addition, people taking walks during these hours can rest assured that their neighbor’s dog won’t make a surprise attack in the dark. Some folks may also enjoy that since dogs aren’t allowed to be kept outside at certain hours, they can rest more peacefully knowing their next-door neighbor’s dog won’t be howling all throughout the night from the backyard to be let back into the house.
What is your personal take on the law?
Hear more about the ordinance below.
