Bill seeks to expand protection for tied-up dogs

The state House Judiciary committee has approved legislation that would expand animal-cruelty laws to better protect dogs chained up outdoors.

House Bill 2072, which received overwhelming support from testifiers at a March 1 public hearing, would require dogs kept outdoors to have “humane restraints” with collars and tethers that don’t cause pain and suffering. The tethers would have to be proportionate to the size and weight of the dog, and owners would be required to provide constant access to food and water.

The bill, which was introduced by state Rep. Cindy Evans (D, Kaupulehua­-Waimea-Halaula), proposes changes to the criminal offense of second-degree animal cruelty.

Any party involved in cruel acts against nine or fewer dogs at any one time would face a misdemeanor charge and be subject to a fine of up $500 per abused animal for a first offense under the bill. A judge also could require a mental health assessment, animal-cruelty educational classes and counseling. Recurring violators would have to pay a fine, complete 16 hours of community service, and face jail time of between two and 30 days.

Abuse of 10 or more dogs at any one time would continue to be a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

“While our hope is that every dog would share a home with his or her human family, we recognize that is not always the case, so it is important that dogs who live outdoors be protected,” said Keith Dane, the Hawaii policy adviser for the Humane Society of the United States, in supporting testimony.

Stephanie Kendrick, public policy advocate for the Hawaiian Humane Society, suggested the penalties remain the same as the current law enforces.

Other supporters of the bill include the West Hawaii Humane Society, Hawaii Association of Animal Welfare Agencies, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Windward Dog Park Hui, Pacific Pet Alliance and Aloha Animal Advocates.

Inga Gibson, a policy consultant for the West Hawaii Humane Society, said the measure would help reduce the chances of entanglement and injury to dogs from inadequate or harmful tethering. She said the bill also could improve public safety.

“Tethered dogs are three times more likely to bite than nontethered dogs, and of those bites, children are five times more likely to be the victims,” Gibson said.

HB2072 received full House approval Tuesday and moved on to the Senate, where it was referred to the Judiciary Committee Thursday.