Help encourage the Virginia legislature to pass a bill to improve the definition of outdoor shelter for companion animals, as well as the tethering of animals.

This bill will require that outdoor shelters have at least 3 sides and a waterproof roof. Currently the law in Virginia is vague, which means owners could face criminal charges depending on the individual officers’ interpretation of the situation. A good shelter should allow animals to stay dry and clean. It should also provide heat in the winter or at least some form of insulation such as straw, blankets etc. and shade in the summer such as a tarp or kennel top if it's an enclosed kennel. There should be adequate food and water available where the dog can reach it, and a frozen bowl of water is not considered adequate because the dog still can't drink it. The area that the dog is confined to whether it's on a chain or in a chain link kennel should be kept cleaned/maintained of feces. An animal should not be forced to lay in feces in the area they have to be confined to. Pets who are kept outdoors are exposed to harsh weather elements and this puts their lives at risk.

The bill should also make restrictions to the laws of tethering very clear as to the length of time allowed to be chained outside/ caged outside before a pet owner has to bring the pet in for at least an equal amount of time if not longer. An animal is not a lawn ornament and if a pet owner can not or will not follow these laws, they should not be allowed to own one.

Please support legislation to provide protection to outdoor dogs by making sure they have adequate shelter as well as a maximum amount of time it can be left chained up outside and giving animal control and law enforcement officers a clear legal standard. There should be harsh penalties for those found violating these laws.

Letter to

Virginia State House

Virginia State Senate

 I pledge my support for legislation that improves the definition of outdoor shelter for companion animals in Virginia, as well as the length of time an animal can be tethered/chained outdoors.