Update Nov. 17, 2009: Pennsylvania's anti-tethering legislation, H.B. 1254, is still in the state House Judiciary Committee.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Join the Pennsylvania Coalition to End Tethering and help us end this inhumane practice.

We can not do this without your support and your direct involvement.

Click HERE to access the Coalition Sign Up page.

This bill, H.B. 1254, is in the House Judiciary Committee. Find and contact members here and write or call and urge them to vote YES on H.B. 1254. 

Go here to find your Pennsylvania Representatives. Write or call and urge them to support this bill.  If you don't live in Pennsylvania, send this link to people you know who live there and would support this bill. 

Go here for Talking Points.  Also, go to Dogs Deserve Better's unchainpadogs.com, a site dedicated solely to promoting PA legislation to end the widely tolerated practice of chaining dogs for life or for extended periods of time. You will find updates about the bill, H.B. 1254 and ways you can get involved!

More about the bill 

Rep.Mario Scavello introduced the anti-tethering bill, H.B. 1254. The bill has been introduced in previous sessions.

This bill would make it a summary offense to tether or chain a dog outside unattended to a stationary object between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. 

Under the bill the tether must be at least 6 feet long or 5 times the length of the dog, whichever is longer. No prong, pinch, chain or choke collars could be used. The bill would require that the tether must be dog must be attached or placed so the dog does not become tangled. The tether would be required to be of a type commonly used. No tow chains would be allowed. 

The bill requires that the dog must be kept free of sores and wounds. The dog must have shade in addition to the shelter provided. A dog could not be tethered outside during periods of extreme weather such as periods of unusually cold or hot temperatures, or when a weather advisory or warning has been issued.

There would be exceptions for sled dogs, dogs used in the course of agricultural production or for protection of farm property or supplies, and products;  tethering for a temporary, 15 minute activity; camping or recreational activities, training for an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license, and dog shows, field trial, agility events, herding contests or other similar expositions or events.