Sealy PD Reminds Public Of New Leash Law Starting January 18, 2022

The Sealy Police Department posted a notice on their social media page reminding the public that the new “Leash Law” will go into effect starting January 18, 2022.  The notice read:

The new state “leash law” goes in to effect January 18th, 2022. Below is the legal definitions as well as the new law in its entirety. Please read thoroughly:
DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter: (TEXAS SB 5)

(1) “Adequate shelter” means a sturdy structure:

(A) that provides the dog protection from

inclement weather; and

B with dimensions that allow the dog while in

the shelter to stand erect, sit, turn around, and lie down in a

normal position.

(2) “Collar” means a band of material specifically

designed to be placed around the neck of a dog.

(3) “Harness” means a set of straps constructed of

nylon, leather, or similar material, specifically designed to

restrain or control a dog.

(4) “Inclement weather” includes rain, hail, sleet,

snow, high winds, extreme low temperatures, or extreme high

temperatures.

(5) “Owner” means a person who owns or has custody or control of a dog.

(6) “Properly fitted” means, with respect to a collar

or harness, a collar or harness that:

(A) is appropriately sized for the dog based on

the dog’s measurements and body weight;

B does not choke the dog or impede the dog’s

normal breathing or swallowing; and

(C) does not cause pain or injury to the dog.

(7) “Restraint” means a chain, rope, tether, leash,

cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.

UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG; OFFENSE. (a)

An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to:

(1) adequate shelter;

(2) an area that allows the dog to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste;

(3) shade from direct sunlight; and

(4) potable water.

(b) An owner may not restrain a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that:

(1) is a chain;

(2) has weights attached;

(3) is shorter in length than the greater of:

(A) five times the length of the dog, as measured

from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or

B 10 feet; or

(4) is attached to a collar or harness not properly fitted.

(c) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly

violates this section. The restraint of each dog that is in

violation is a separate offense.

(d) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor,

except that the offense is a Class B misdemeanor if the person has previously been convicted under this section.

Sec. 821.103. EXCEPTIONS. (a) Section 821.102 does not

apply to:

(1) the use of a restraint on a dog in a public camping

or recreational area in compliance with the requirements of the public camping or recreational area as defined by a federal, state, or local authority or jurisdiction;

(2) the use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in, or actively train for, an activity conducted under a valid license issued by this state provided the activity is

associated with the use or presence of a dog;

(3) the use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in conduct directly related to the business of

shepherding or herding cattle or livestock;

(4) the use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in conduct directly related to the business of

cultivating agricultural products;

(5) a dog left unattended in an open-air truck bed only for the time reasonably necessary for the owner to complete a

temporary task that requires the dog to be left unattended in the truck bed;

(6) a dog taken by the owner, or another person with

the owner’s permission, from the owner’s residence or property and restrained by the owner or the person for not longer than the time

necessary for the owner to engage in an activity that requires the dog to be temporarily restrained; or

(7) a dog restrained while the owner and dog are

engaged in, or actively training for, hunting or field trialing.

(b) Section 821.102(b)(3) does not apply to a restraint

attached to a trolley system that allows a dog to move along a

running line for a distance equal to or greater than the lengths

specified under that subdivision.

(c) This subchapter does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a handheld leash.

Some may wonder what the penalty for not following the new law will be.