MA Legislature Improves State Animal Safety Law - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To the Massachusetts Legislature for amending the current animal safety law to better protect dogs tethered outside.  

Dog tethering for long periods of time takes a toll on the physical and mental well-being of any canine companion. Among the risks are deadly hypothermia and heat stroke, especially when the dog is not provided with adequate shelter.

According to a recent news article, Massachusetts has amended the state’s current animal safety law to provide better protections for dogs. The amended law states that dogs can only be tethered outside for a maximum of 5 consecutive hours or for only 15 minutes in extreme weather conditions. It further details the type of tether and collar that can be used. Anyone found guilty of a first offense may face a fine up to $50, a second offense up to $200, and a third offense up to $500 with the possibility of losing his or her dog.     

To learn more about the dangers of outside tethering, please download our free brochure.

Take Action:  Massachusetts residents, contact your legislators and thank them for increasing dog safety for dogs tethered outside.