Councilman Vallone Responds To Anti-Tethering Law Critics

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Since the "tethering bill," which prohibits a pet from being tethered for more than three hours outside, was signed into law earlier this month, several pet (and owner) advocacy groups have been calling for its repeal. Dog Federation of NY argued that the imprecise language of the law could "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." Councilman Peter Vallone, who introduced the bill, sent us a response to their criticisms:

"No one listens to the head of that so called federation, even in animal rights circles, and as usual his reading of the bill is all wrong. Of course a family can tie up a dog at a picnic, just not for more than three hours straight. If he would do that, he probably shouldn't be in the animal rights business in the first place. If he has any problem with the bill, he should talk to the legitimate animal rights groups like the ASPCA who helped draft it.”

Vallone was responding to the Dog Federation's accusation that because of the vague language of the bill, "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." We've contacted the Dog Federation for any response, but this dog fight is swiftly starting to sound more like a cat fight.

Update: Mahlon Goer, spokeswoman for the Dog Federation, wrote us to respond to Vallone's criticism:

Councilman Vallone’s focus should be on increasing the health and safety of the community in accordance with the fact-based guidelines set forth by Centers For Disease Control and the American Veterinary Medical Association -- neither of which support anti-tethering measures, much less NYC's garbled new law. It is imperative that we protect our children and communities with laws based on facts, not fear. Councilman Vallone consistently used misinformation as a calculated means to heighten public fears and misunderstanding, along with employing provocative language and negative stereotypes. Int 425A--now 10/2011--is so poorly drafted, and uses such convoluted language, that NYC residents will not be able to understand its provisions and will not be able to comply. Sure you can tie up a dog at a picnic -- as long as you use something with "swivels" at each end. Leashes with "swivels" at each end? Who's got one of those handy for a trip to the park, and why should they?

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By Ben Yakas in News on February 23, 2011 3:24 PM

Comments [rss]

LindaD

What is of paramount concern is that NY is handicapped by an inept legislator like Vallone who has the unfortunate power to move and vote on legislation about which he knows NOTHING. His statements reveal his ignorance of the concepts, and reliance on unethical extremist radical groups and their tainted and twisted resources and advice, while he denigrates and slanders ethical groups who truly understand the science of the issue and animal husbandry and have NO alterior motives. Vallone has made a fool of himself quoting cotradictory phrases and making incorrect attributions. He needs to learn to do his homework before sticking his stupid neck out. Heavens help the poor citizens subject to his stupidity.

DogFederationof NY

DFNY remains very concerned about Councilman Vallone's motives and his grasp of the facts. He should certainly not continue to spread misinformation about the ramifications of his radical new law.

Under the new law, the dog pictured above is illegally restrained for several reasons: no "swivel" at both ends of the leash, and use of a prohibited "choke" collar are two. Has "adequate" food, water and shelter been provided? If not, add that to the list. And yet that dog is clearly not suffering any abuse. How many citations would that dog's owner receive? Why?

We want NYC to remain a dog-friendly, dog-safe place to live, governed by laws based on facts. Not myths.

The law must be repealed in its entirety.

John Elve

Rob,
When was the last time you had a cup of coffee for three hours.
This whole thing about "tethering" is but a smoke screen, a ploy to gain the sympathy of a public who can't be bothered to look past the headline. This measure outlaws enough accepted and common practices to render compliance virtually impossible. The hidden agenda,the intended unintended consequence, is the abolition of pet ownership. It is no secret that the authors of this bill, The HSUS, consider pet ownership equivalent to slavery.

Rather than pontificate on what you think the law says or what you think it means, I suggest you acquaint yourself with some facts.

RobNYC

If you go to a picnic and leave your dog tied up to a tree and can't be bothered to unhook the animal and walk it within three hours you're too lazy to even own a dog to begin with. Is it really such a hardship on a dog owner to unchain it once in a period of three hours and walk it around?? Does it take you longer than three hours to eat?? We're talking unhooking it ONCE in six hours and you'd be complying with the law. That's really so hard? Besides, how many cops are going to sit there for three hours and time you? This guy is just making up situations that would probably never come to pass. I think the time limit given was more than generous and it's obviously aimed at people who tie their dogs up to parking meters and parking signs while they go do their laundry for a couple of hours or hang out and have a coffee inside.

DogFederationof NY

Read the law. Unless you happen to have a leash with swivels at both ends -- which I have never seen -- you can't tie your dog's leash to a bench. Period. The dog in the photo at the top if the piece is illegally restrained, under the new law.

John Elve

Those of you who must resort to obscene epithets to express your limited thoughts should take note that this law has nothing to do with tethering a dog to a parking meter while eating a bagel

Rather than respond emotionally to a headline, I would suggest looking into the actual language of this radical and ill advised piece of legislation.

DogFederationof NY

Links to the text of the new law are on our website: www.DogFederationofNewYork.org We strongly suggest NYC pet and animal lovers read it carefully.

jacqueline66

Why would anyone need or want to tie their dog up for more than a few minutes. An hour is more than stressful.

Louis Sansano

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

m015094

Had some douche had his pit bull tied to a parking meter yesterday morning and I was reminded of this clip from Portlandia. I so wanted to let the dog go, but of course since it was a pit bull, it was barking and trying to bite people as they walked by.

(Yes, I know SOME pit bulls are nice, but I still believe if you own a pit bull in NYC, you are an ASSHOLE).

jan

Vallone is an idiot.. it is the animal RIGHTS people who passed this crazy law..the 'animal rights business' counts on ignorant people like Vallone..to take away your rights to own a pet..ASPCA will not like being called an "animal right group" but Vallone.. he does not care as long as we see his name in print.. vote this jerk OUT

JMH

I agree, it should be repealed and replaced with a law setting a much shorter time limit. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR YOUR DOG BARKING OUTSIDE FOR HALF AN HOUR WHILE YOU SIT AND EAT YOUR BAGEL YOU INCONSIDERATE DOUCHE.