Oregon residents may not realize it, but the criminal code effects many aspects of day-to-day life. Many people understand that violent crimes, drug charges and other major offenses are something that are punishable under the law. However, other activities may also be regulated without their knowledge. In fact, things as simple as, how long a dog can stay tied up outside can be punished under Oregon's criminal code.
Recently, Oregon Governor Kitzhaber signed a new bill which regulates pet owners. This new law created greater restrictions on how long Oregon residents can leave their animals outside and tethered. Under the new law, animals can only be tied up outside for up to 10 hours a day. If the animal is on a pulley-style tether, then the law allows for 15 hours of time outdoors. Furthermore, under the law pets that are tied up outdoors must have adequate bedding and shelter. Finally, pet owners are no longer allowed to use choke collars in addition to a tether.
If Oregon residents break these new requirements -- even inadvertently -- by keeping their animals outside and tied up for longer periods of time, they may face criminal sanctions. Breaking this law is a Class B misdemeanor. Misdemeanor charges are punishable by jail time and fines.
While proponents of this new law -- set to go into effect in January -- say that it will help animals by better protecting them from the cold, this law could seriously affect those individuals who choose to keep their animals outdoors. Misdemeanor charges are serious and can have a damaging effect on people if they are not handled correctly.
Source: KMTR, "Oregon's new tether law stricter on animal owners," Jared Tilbor, Nov. 22, 2013
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