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A number of local ordinances are being passed throughout the state. Some restrict or set standards for tethering. Others are more ominous attacking specific breeds as dangerous to the community. As we get examples of those ordinances, we will post them here. FOHO is specific in its support of restricted tethering and opposition to breed specific legislation. However we believe much is done due to ignorance with communities being uninformed about these issues. These local ordinances are facing challenges. However, that does not mean that you should not try to improve the life of animals in your area by trying to pass a good animal ordinance.
The point is that West Virginia Code, Section 7-1-14 code allows this to occur. This bill was passed into law two years ago but has not been applied in any WV County but now Kanawha has used it in this manner and now so has Morgan County. It enables county commissions to act. This is something for all to consider improving animal welfare in their area. At least it allows some precedent and standard of care. This is very good news for animals of that area and ultimately West Virginia. The most recent restricted tethering dog ordinance just passed in Berkeley County, WV in July 2010. A well organized group convinced the county commission to pass this measure. Here is a copy of their ordinance in a pdf file. Berkeley County Dog Ordinance (pdf) Also you can visit the animal welfare group site that accomplished this. Unchain Berkeley County
A restricted tethering ordinance passed in Kanawha County in August 20, 2009. It is a county wide ordinance and not just for the city. However, the ordinance was contested and has since been revised. Kanawha Animal Cruelty and Canine Tethering Ordinance (PDF) this is the revised copy which allows some exemptions for hunting dogs.
Any county could do some variation of this to improve animal welfare in their respective counties. Even if it had limited tethering, allowed for a cable only, or simply addressed standards of care, it would be an improvement. We will post the revised ordinance when we receive it.
We have included the entire city ordinance here on animal code from Charleston, WV. Along with the restricted tethering (which is being revised) is transmitting a dog in a trunk is prohibited or loose in the back of the truck, or left for more than 5 minutes in a car in extreme temperatures. There is also the controversial pet limit ordinance included too. Charleston Animal Ordinance (PDF)
The City of Nitro passed an anti-tethering ordinance. Dogs are only allowed to be tethered outdoors for a total of 3 hours in a 24 hour period. And when the temperature goes above 90 degrees or falls below 32 degrees they can't be tethered outside at all. We do not have a copy of their ordinance. If you have access, pass it along to us.
Morgan County Canine Restraint Ordinance was just passed in January 2010. Morgan County (PDF)
The City of Elkins passed its Regulated Tethering Ordinance in 2009. Elkins City (PDF) (this is a scanned document and takes about 30 seconds to open) Elkins also has a cat ordinance for the city: this works well since the shelter accepts cats and has done so for years. You need to carefully consider how this could be adopted in your area. Be sure you have the facilities to house cats and you are talking to local officials about trap, neuter and release for feral cats too. City of Elkins Cat License Differential Ordinance (PDF)
Let us know of any ordinances in your area that affect animals. |
Newsflash
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Please check our affiliate legislative action website for a recount of the 2010 legislative session www.fohowvla.org. Our spay neuter bill was placed into interim study. We will regroup on that bill and other important legislation for next year. Notable bills that passed were the 3 year rabies bill, a livestock standards bill and a spay neuter bill for adopted greyhounds. |
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WV Animal Law Books (revised edition including 2009 code) now available for $5! Mail your check to FOHO at the address below to receive your handy and compact copy of WV Animal Law. Get additional copies to give out to those in your community who work with animal law: |
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501c3 Organizations can lobby! Read this article from HSUS. WV animals depend upon your support. You cannot let them down. |
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Plan now to attend our next FOHO meeting on October 2nd. This will be at the Waldemore House adjacent to the Clarksburg Public Library on Saturday morning from 9:30 am to 12. Anyone is welcome to attend. Join us as we promote a better environment for animal welfare throughout West Virginia. Clarksburg Public Library
404 W Pike St Clarksburg, WV 26301-2794 (304) 627-2236 From US 50 around Clarksburg, get downtown onto West Pike Street go into the library complex and the Waldemore is the mansion beside the library. That is where the meeting is held. Hope to see everyone there! Always check here to see if our meeting venue has changed.
To plan to attend future meetings, here is a tentative schedule:
January 15, 2011 - April 2, 2011 - July 9, 2011 - October 15, 2011
We have discussed moving our meetings around the state. If your group would like to host a FOHO WV meeting in your area, just let us know. |