NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A bill introduced by Tennessee lawmakers, H.B.2860, would make it illegal for pet owners to leave their dogs chained up outside during severe weather.
Specifically, the bill would make it punishable for people to leave their dogs restrained with a chain, cord, tether, cable, or similar kind of device during a natural or manmade disaster. That can include periods of severe flooding or tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service.
Dogs could also not be tethered if a community is under a voluntary or mandatory evacuation area.
Violating the law would be a class-C misdemeanor, which would be punishable by up to a month in jail and a $50 fine.
The legislation was introduced by Representative Sabi 'Doc' Kumar (R - Robertson County) and Senator Jon Lundberg (R - Bristol).