County moves forward on anti-chaining law

The Frederick County Commissioners are one step closer to adopting a law that would prevent pet owners from leaving their dogs tied up outside for more than 10 hours a day.

The commissioners voted Tuesday to take the proposal to a public hearing. They also rejected a proposal to ban unattended chaining completely.

The Frederick County Division of Animal Control worked with the county's Companion Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to develop the anti-chaining proposal.

Under their recommendation, it would become a civil violation to keep dogs on a chain or rope more than 10 hours cumulatively within a 24-hour period. The proposal also defines proper shelter, food and water for dogs.

According to the proposed ordinance, civil fines would be $50 for a first offense, $75 for a second offense and $100 for a third offense. Current state law does prevent animal cruelty, but does not define shelter and does not have enforceable anti-chaining guidelines.

Committee chairwoman Peggy Kelley emphasized to the commissioners that dogs can become territorial and aggressive if constantly left outside alone on chains.

"This (legislation) is important for dogs, but also especially important for people and particularly children," Kelley said.

At least one group wanted the county to go even further to stop chaining.

Theresa Rutter, a Frederick County resident and the president of the statewide lobbying group Justice for Dogs, asked the commissioners to consider a total ban. Such a measure has been approved in Miami and other communities, she said.

Justice for Dogs was founded after a Frederick County dog named Russ froze to death while chained to a tree in 2005.

The commissioners decided to move forward with the less stringent recommendation, saying they'd like to hear what people have to say at the public hearing. At that point, they may consider amendments, said Commissioners President Jan Gardner.

Division of Animal Control Director Harold Domer said he thought the anti-chaining measure is critical to protect dogs and people.

He said keeping a dog in a crate while its owner is at work for a few hours is not a bad situation, unlike chaining outside. Inside, there is heat or air conditioning and shelter.

Also, crating is typically limited in duration. He hopes to prevent dogs from being chained outside all day, every day.

"I think we have an obligation to try and protect our dogs," Domer said.

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