Paws Up! To Oklahoma Representative Mickey Dollens for co-authoring a bill that would protect dogs from harsh weather and inhumane conditions.
January 27, 2022
Tethering or chaining dogs outside for extended periods of time with little to no supervision or socialization creates a life of misery for the animals. Apart from the physical trauma of being tethered to an inanimate object, tree, dog house, or pole for several hours a day with no exercise or access to fresh water, the solitary life can lead to serious emotional and psychological effects that can impact a dog’s well-being for the rest of his or her life.
Oklahoma Representative Mickey Dollens has co-authored the Pet Protection Act, which would require dog owners to adhere to humane standards across the entire state. According to a recent news article, the Pet Protection Act would prohibit dog owners from tethering dogs in way that is harmful or inhumane. The bill will also require dog owners to bring their dogs inside during any weather watch, advisory, or warning.
This bill has not yet been assigned a number, as the legislative session does not begin until February 7th. Check back for an update on the bill once it is officially in the Oklahoma State Legislature!
In the meantime, Oklahoma residents should contact their legislators and tell them to support the Pet Protection Act and other legislation that improves the lives of animals.
How to Combat Dog Chaining In Your Community
It took way too long for us here in Georgia to get a local 24/7 anti-chain law enacted. Then it became a matter of getting the ordinance enforced. So be stubborn and never give up.
Dogs are not property but considered as such in Oklahoma. They are to be cared for as a toddler would be cared for. When teenagers tethered, they feel alone with they are not made a part of the family.
Please where does this act stand at this date? In our community Kellyville, OK the buck is passed from police enforcement to other branches in a different town (same County) in the care and continued abandonment of these dogs on a daily basis. These animals run loose, or they are chained and tied inside fenced-in yards (which makes no sense)