Vote Recommendation | Economic Freedom | Property Rights | Personal Responsibility | Limited Government | Individual Liberty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Relating to the unlawful restraint of a dog; creating a criminal offense.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated
SB 295 would prohibit an owner from restraining a dog outside unless the owner provides the dog access to adequate shelter, an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water, shade from direct sunlight, and potable water. It also prohibits a restraint that is a chain, has weights attached, is shorter than the greater of five times the length of the dog or ten feet, is not attached to a properly fitted collar or harness, or cases pain or injury to the dog. SB 295 would not apply to certain situations such as restraint on a dog that complies with public camping, or when a dog is actively training for an activity conducted under a valid license issued by the state, among other things.
SB 295 would also remove the 24-hour warning requirement prior to issuing a citation for violation of this law.
Texas Action remains neutral on SB 295 because it does not affect our liberty principles. Much of this bill is already codified in existing law; the main purpose is to close a loophole that previously undermined the enforcement of these rules by allowing bad actors to receive a warning then continue to habitually offend.