HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1576

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to offenses against public order.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Chapter 711, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§711-    Confinement of a dog by tethering; violation.  (1)  Except as provided in section 711-1109(1)(g), a person commits the offense of confinement of a dog by tethering if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly tethers, fastens, ties, or restrains a dog in a cruel or inhumane manner to a doghouse, tree, fence, or any other stationary object or to a cable trolley system:

    (a)   By a tether or chain that is less than six feet in length;

    (b)   By a tether or chain that weighs more than ten per cent of the weight of the dog tethered;

    (c)   By a tether or chain that does not have a swivel on at least one end; or

    (d)   Where the dog is under the age of six months;

provided that a person shall not be prohibited from using such restraints when walking a dog with a hand-held leash or while a dog is engaged in a supervised activity; and provided further that a person shall not be prohibited from using such restraints or from restraining a dog under the age of six months while the dog is engaged in an activity, including training, that is directly related to shepherding or herding livestock, or when reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.

     (2)  Confinement of a dog by tethering shall be a violation; provided that any person convicted under this section shall be sentenced as follows:

     (a)  For a first offense, by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $150, without the possibility of suspension; and

     (b)  For a second or subsequent offense, by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500, without the possibility of suspension."

     SECTION 2.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2012.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 



 

Report Title:

Dogs; Tethering

 

Description:

Creates an offense of confinement of a dog by tethering under prescribed circumstances with certain exceptions, and establishes mandatory fines for such an offense.  Effective January 1, 2012.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.