Amends TCA Title 39.

This bill prohibits a dog owner from:<br /> <br /> (1) Leaving a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint unless the owner provides the dog access to:<br /> <br /> (A) Adequate shelter;<br /> <br /> (B) An area that allows the dog to avoid standing water and exposure to excessive animal waste;<br /> <br /> (C) Shade from direct sunlight; and<br /> <br /> (D) Potable water; or<br /> <br /> (2) Restraining a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that: <br /> <br /> (A) Is a chain;<br /> <br /> (B) Has weights attached;<br /> <br /> (C) Is shorter in length than the greater of: Five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's tail; or 10 feet ; or<br /> <br /> (D) Is attached to a collar or harness that is not properly fitted.<br /> <br /> A knowing violation of this bill will be a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class B misdemeanor for a second or subsequent offense. An offender may also be prosecuted under any other applicable law.<br /> <br /> This bill specifies that it does not apply to:<br /> <br /> (1) The use of a restraint on a dog in a public camping or recreational area in compliance with the requirements of the public camping or recreational area as defined by a federal, state, or local authority;<br /> <br /> (2) The use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in, or actively train for, an activity conducted under a valid license issued by this state, provided the activity is associated with the use or presence of a dog; <br /> <br /> (3) The use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in conduct directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock; <br /> <br /> (4) The use of a restraint on a dog while the owner and dog engage in conduct directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products;<br /> <br /> (5) A dog left unattended in an open-air truck bed only for the time reasonably necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be left unattended in the truck bed;<br /> <br /> (6) A dog taken by the owner, or another person with the owner's permission, from the owner's residence or property and restrained by the owner or the person for not longer than the time necessary for the owner to engage in an activity that requires the dog to be temporarily restrained;<br /> <br /> (7) A dog restrained while the owner and dog are engaged in, or actively training for, hunting or field trialing;<br /> <br /> (8) A dog that is restrained by attachment to a trolley system that allows the dog to move along a running line for a distance equal to or greater than the lengths specified in this bill; or<br /> <br /> (9) A person walking a dog with a handheld leash.<br /> <br /> This bill further specifies that it does not preempt a local regulation relating to the restraint of a dog or affect the authority of a political subdivision to adopt or enforce an ordinance or requirement relating to the restraint of a dog if the regulation, ordinance, or requirement:<br /> <br /> (1) Is compatible with and equal to or more stringent than the requirements of this bill; or <br /> <br /> (2) Relates to an issue not specifically addressed by this bill.<br />