Rep. Ken Luttrell, R-Ponca City, and Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-OKC have filed pet protection legislation related to tethering of animals.

House Bill 2993 creates the Humane Tether Act of 2022 and would address issues related to the treatment of pets including the chaining or tethering a dog under certain circumstances, providing requirements for tethering and prohibiting leaving a dog outside in bad weather conditions.

“Chained dogs are statistically more dangerous than even free-running packs of dogs because their unfortunate circumstances render them under-socialized, territorial, and prone to aggression. We want to prevent putting dogs at risk from extreme weather conditions and an inability to access food, water, or basic shelter,” Luttrell said. “I am pleased to work with Rep. Dollens on behalf of our four-legged friends and Oklahoma’s pet lovers. This bill has generated support from owners’ rights groups, “responsible” dog ownership groups, kennel clubs, hunters, and farmers. For law enforcement and animal control officers, these ordinances create clear boundaries and expectations for pet owners. They allow for the employment and enforcement of citations and other penalties so the owner doesn’t just go back to inhumanely tethering their animals after the officer leaves.”

This bill sets a uniform state law that would make it easier for pet owners to understand what the rules and regulations are across the state.