Citywide dog law passes
Richmond City Council last night passed legislation making it illegal to chain up a dog outside for more than an hour. It’s hardly breaking news at this point, but I thought it warranted a mention in the context of our neighborhoods. I see on a regular basis a large number of dogs in my neighborhood (Forest View) and others nearby (Northrup & Jahnke particularly) tied up for hours at a time, usually with little shelter or water. Typically, they’re pit bulls or rottweilers and the owners, when present, clearly have little regard for the animals beyond owning a “status symbol.” In the end, I suspect this law won’t do much to change things, but at least it might bring a little lasting attention to an issue that usually gets swept under the rug.
I wonder if this means my neighbors dogs, who are constantly in the back yard barking at whomever or whatever walks by, and who never, ever seem to get any attention from their owners, will finally get the attention they so desperately crave. A silly notion, but a girl can dream….
I’m SO excited about this legislation. Finally there will be consequences to neglectful owners. I hope the city enforces the fines, and that we can keep our neighbors and other city residents from abusing their pets by leaving them chained up all the time. This is a huge step in the right direction.
what’s the protocol when one does have a neighbor etc that has a dog chained up all of the time? is there a best number to call..?
I live in Forest View Heights and this morning I saw a City of Richmond vehicle in my neighborhood approaching houses with dogs chained up in their front yards. I’m not sure what they said to the homeowners but it’s great to see them making the rounds so quickly.
Animal Control
646-5573 during business hours. 646-5123 Emergency communcations.
This should also work for dogs that bark all night.
Finally! Now we’ve caught up with the rest of the humane world. I agree it is a step in the right direction, but we must make certain our city officials enforce it now and continue to do so.
well, I have a new dog thanks to the law.. Look at craigslist, more and more dogs are being FOUND. Now people release them instead of having them at home.. *sighs*
[...] The new dog law has been a topic of intense online discussion for pet owners in Richmond. An individual known only as Mary posted her comments on the news blog, Hills and Heights. [...]
I am thankful that there is a law for animals who have been victimized, but what about those who have dogs and need to come them outside on chains during the day. I have a Border Collie and I work and go to school full-time, there is no way that I can keep her in my house. However, due to the laws of building a fence in Chesterfield I can not build one on my corner lot of property because it will not fit on the premises according to the demensions of my land. I love my dog terribly but there is no where else to put her but on her chain during the day. I can’t afford to put her in a dog sitter, so does this mean I have to get rid of my beloved pet?? Also it states no more than an hour…is this at one block period of time or os this in a 24-hour period?? Please comment back.
You could build some sort of dog run in your backyard. I would think that would be OK.
If you’re in Chesterfield, this law doesn’t apply to you. It only applies to City of Richmond residents.
http://www.unchainyourdog.org/