Tying down a dog now banned

[TribalRats]

Use safer trolley restraints or free animal from tether, county officials say.
By Chelsea Phua - Bee Staff Writer

Shortly after rescuing Jake, an 11-month-old black and white mixed-breed dog, Michael Greenlaw came home from work one day to find his living room couch and plants chewed up.

When the Carmichael resident decided to leave Jake in the backyard during the daytime, the rambunctious 95-pound dog broke through the backyard fence -- numerous times -- in his quest for canine companionship.

"He's never done anything vicious," Greenlaw said. "When he gets left alone, he's just desperate for something."

After exhausting other options, Greenlaw tied Jake up to the fence.

It was a last resort, and the longtime animal lover said he was reluctant to try it. But he felt he had no other choice.

Starting this year, a new state law prohibits dog owners such as Greenlaw from tying their pets to stationary objects for more than three hours. Violators can be fined up to $1,000.

At the same time, a Sacramento County ordinance prohibits a dog from running at large. County animal control officials say the dog must be confined by a fenced-in yard, a dog kennel or a trolley line.

The county's Department of Animal Care and Regulation received 56 complaints in January of owners illegally tethering their dogs, said Supervising Animal Control Officer Ruben Hernandez. In 25 cases, citations were issued.

All of those who were warned or served with citations complied promptly by buying a trolley system or releasing their dogs from the tether, Hernandez said.

Greenlaw installed a system that allowed Jake's leash to slide along a 30-foot line between two fences.

"The trolley allows the animal to move more freely without the risk of being entangled or prevented from reaching food, water and shelter," Hernandez said.

Dogs are territorial by nature; if their territory is limited, they become more protective of the area and can become aggressive, Hernandez said.

"Not all dogs that are tied up become aggressive, but those that do become more aggressive," Hernandez said.

Veterinarian Eranda Rajapaksha, a practicing resident with the UC Davis Clinical Animal Behavior Service, agrees a trolley is a better option and allows dogs a greater range of movement.

But there are no studies indicating that a dog on a trolley is less likely to turn mean than one to a stationary object, Rajapaksha said.

Keeping a dog inside a house with family members or within a fenced area are the best options, he said.

Greenlaw said Jake stays inside on nights and weekends.

About three months ago, Greenlaw found Jake wandering around lost in the neighborhood. He placed an advertisement in the paper to find the owner, but no one responded. Next, he tried to find Jake a suitable home.

Greenlaw placed him with three families before Jake was returned to him.

"They all thought they could handle him," he said.

Greenlaw said he is training Jake and has grown fond of him. Still, he believes Jake needs a home where people can be with him all day.

Until he finds that home, at least the dog has more freedom of movement in his backyard. And Greenlaw is within the boundaries of the new state law.