Last month, the New York City Council passed the "tethering bill," which now prohibits a pet from being tethered for more than three hours outside. The bill, which was introduced by Councilman Peter Vallone, was signed into law by Mayor Bloomberg at the start of the month, but it seems many pet lovers are actually not thrilled by its passing. Dog Federation of NY, a dog owner advocacy group, sent us an email today which read: "The sweeping language will criminalize the normal, everyday activities of caring pet and animal owners and could even drive events like the Westminster Kennel Club dog show out of Madison Square Garden. We are calling for a repeal."
They argue that the "poorly considered, poorly drafted ordinance" will punish responsible pet owners, and the vague language of the bill opens up law-abiding citizens to prosecution from hard-to-pin down limitations and restrictions: "Among the new law's many flaws, it appears that families bringing their dog to the park for a picnic are prohibited from tying the dog's leash to a bench or picnic table while they enjoy their meal." They also criticize that the bill prohibits "choke" collars, which jeopardizes the purebred dog shows which take place every year, including the Westminster Kennel Club show at MSG.
Blue Dog State goes one farther with their criticism, attacking Vallone for his anti-pit bull "pin-headed logic," and arguing that he was taking advantage of the legal language to drive out pit bull owners across the city and advance his political career. We've tried contacting outspoken pet-lover Joan Rivers for (color) commentary, but have yet to hear back from her.
