Gwinnett residents who had been vocal about their distaste for some provisions in an animal tethering law were victorious Tuesday, when county leaders said they would change the rules so animals could not be tied up and left unattended.
The law, which goes into effect July 1, prohibits tying a dog to a post and requires animal owners to use a trolley system with a cable that's at least 10 feet long. While the original law would have let residents leave their dogs tethered outdoors during the day, the change means a dog can only be tethered when the owner is outdoors with it and can see it.
The original ordinance, passed in March, had been met with disdain by county animal advocates. One resident, Julie Minnucci, said she “didn’t think enough research had been done” on the effects of leaving animals outdoors for a long time.
She and others said they were grateful that commissioners listened to their concerns. Minnucci and other animal advocates attended several town hall meetings earlier during which they spoke about the negative impact prolonged tethering could have on animals. They have since created a group, the Gwinnett Animal Alliance, to continue advocating on animal issues.
“We are so grateful you brought the issue back up,” said resident Jennifer Summers. “I certainly applaud you.”
Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash said it was the advocates’ “polite persistence” that won her over to their side.
“I know we’ve all struggled with this issue, in terms of what is the right thing to do,” Nash said.
The new law allows officers to give residents a warning for a first offense if an animal is properly tethered, but no one is watching the animal.
The amendment passed unanimously, but not without some consternation. Commissioner John Heard said he had not received the new ordinance before the meeting. It had been sent via email the day before, Nash said, and was not included in the agenda that was publicized Friday.
Heard tried to table the amendment, but his motion did not get a second.
Commissioner Tommy Hunter said the change should eliminate the concerns about tethering, but he wished the original law could have been enacted before any amendments were considered.
“I think we’re messing up by not letting it go into effect and see what effect it has,” he said.
The new law also outlines everything from a prohibition on beating or mutilating an animal to a requirement to provide necessary veterinary care.
About the Author
