As the Gulf Coast prepares to be hit by Hurricane Harvey – currently at a Category 2 hurricane, but expected to reach a Category 3– police in the New Caney area are reminding dog owners that it is cruel, inhumane, and illegal to keep dogs tethered outside during extreme weather.
The Roman Forest Police Department posted a warning to Facebook this morning with a cautionary tale regarding a dog presumably lost in the flooding that occurred in the area last year.
“’Last year’ as Chief Carlisle was checking the level of water on FM1485, TxDOT crews were shutting down the San Jacinto East Fork Bridge and told him about a dog tied to a tree out of reach in the distance as the water was rising. The dog barked and barked as the water kept rising until the water got high enough and the barks stopped.
Chief Carlisle warns irresponsible dog owners that police WILL be enforcing the law, and expect all pets to be safe indoors during the storm. “I promise you, that I will hold anyone accountable that unlawfully restrains they’re dog in extreme weather conditions. Dogs are your family members too.”
The post above includes the law regarding dog tethering, and it states:
(a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement: … 3) in the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which: … (C) a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.
If you are in the area affected by Hurricane Harvey and know of a dog left outdoors in the weather, call your local authorities to report it. Police will likely be busy during the storm, but do not attempt to release a dog on your own, be safe.
Stay indoors and check out our article, 5 Disaster Preparedness Tips for Dog Owners to make sure that you and your dog are ready for whatever the storm might bring.
H/T: Chron.com
