Wicomico County, MD, Toughens Up on Animal Welfare Regulations - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up! To Wicomico County, Maryland, for strengthening their animal welfare regulations.
January 23, 2019
Beginning Saturday, January 19, 2019, residents of Wicomico County, Maryland, must abide by new animal welfare regulations, including guidelines for tethering dogs outside.
Although the new ordinance does not state how long a dog should be tethered outside, it does add more detailed language about prohibiting citizens from tethering their dogs outside in the harsh elements and to have access to fresh food, water, and adequate shelter. It further specifies that animals should not be tethered under circumstances that endanger their health, safety, or well-being, and the animals should not be left unattended during unsafe weather conditions.
As people become more aware of the negative effects of dog tethering, more and more local governments are making changes to their animal welfare laws to improve conditions for tethered animals. You can help make a change in your own community by reaching out to your local representatives and urging them to strengthen their dog tethering laws or to ban tethering altogether.
