In This Issue:
A Note From The Editor:
I ' m always so happy to share news about progress being made that improves the lives of animals. In April, lawmakers in Alabama proposed legislation they ' re calling Beau’ s Law, a bill designed to protect dogs from an often overlooked form of neglect- unlawful tethering. If signed in October, it will become illegal to keep a dog tied outside to a fixed object without proper care, which is defined as adequate shelter, food, and water. Violaters could face real consequences that include jail time and stiff financial penalties. And the most important aspect of the bill- if authorities believe a dog’ s life is in danger, they can remove the animal from the premises immediately. Advocates are calling it the most important animal protection law in Alabama in decades, and they are not alone in addressing tethering laws. Protections, however, vary widely from state to state. As of now, more than twenty have enacted laws that restrict or regulate how dogs can be tethered, often as part of broader animal cruelty statutes. Here in Pennsylvania, protections do exist under Libre’ s Law, passed in 2017, which strengthened animal cruelty statutes. The law requires that dogs tethered outside must have access to potable water and shade, and strict time limits must be adhered to during extreme temperatures. It also outlines conditions that can legally be considered neglect, helping authorities intervene when necessary. Animal advocates, though, continue to be frustrated with the lack of enforcement, largely due to financial and staffing issues. Across the country, momentum continues to build as more states recognize that long-term tethering can lead to serious physical and mental harm, prompting advocates to push for stronger, more uniform protections nationwide. It ' s hard to understand why people would get a dog, just to have it spend much, if not all, of its entire life tied to one place. But increasing awareness and tougher laws like the one proposed in Alabama are hopeful signs that stronger, more enforceable protections are becoming the standard, not the exception, and that the lives of previously neglected dogs everywhere can be more than just existing at the end of a chain.
- Karyn Stratton
In This Issue:
Pet Calendar of Events........................................... page 2 Upcoming Pet Events............................................. page 3 Around the Hydrant: News You Can Use............. page 4 May is National Foster Care Month...................... page 4 Fundraiser For A Cat Sanctuary........................... page 5 Breed All About It- The Beagle............................. page 6 Health Highlights- Hypoglycemia in Dogs.......... page 7 Cute & Crazy Critters............................................. page 8 Adoption: A Loving Option.................................. pages 10, 11 Pawsitively Delicious.............................................. page 12 Ask the Groomer- Paw Licking............................. page 13 Win a Funky Flingers Dog Toy............................... page 13 Natural Allergy Relievers....................................... page 14 Subscriptions- Let Us Fetch Your Next Copy....... page 15
On our cover: " Bella "
Thanks to Ceci DGondeles, of Guadalajara, Mexico for providing us with her photo!
Pawsitively Pets-- May
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