Paws Up! To FL Rep. Slosberg and Senator Taddeo for introducing a bill that would save dogs from a life on a chain.
January 7, 2022
Living a life on a chain is a traumatic and sad experience for an animal. Deprived of natural interaction and enrichment, many chained dogs develop aggressive and defensive behaviors. Several dogs, like Penny, suffer painful abrasions on their necks from the heavy chains used to keep them stationary in lonely backyards all across America.
In 2021, Penny the pitbull puppy was found eating garbage in a cemetery in Tampa, Florida. Realizing something was wrong, a kind person quickly took her to get emergency veterinary care. The poor puppy had a chain embedded in her neck from being inhumanely tethered and breaking free. After garnering much publicity, well-known professional wrestler and Guardians of the Galaxy star, Dave Bautista, adopted her into his family.
Two Florida lawmakers—Rep. Emily Slosberg and Sen. Annette Taddeo—introduced two identical bills last week: HB1075 and SB1508. If enacted, these bills would prohibit pet owners in Florida from tethering their dogs or cats to ropes or chains unless they are directly present with the animal. The bills also require pet owners to bring their animals inside during severe weather and extreme temperatures. Offenders would be given a $500 fine. This statewide bill is aptly titled the Penny Bautista Act.
Florida Voters, contact your state representatives and senators and tell them to vote YES for the Penny Bautista Act!
Don’t live in Florida? Here is a list of the most up-to-date dog tethering laws across the country.
Find your representative and ask them to support legislation to end dog chaining in your state!