Lawmakers crack down on dog restraints

BATON ROUGE — Tethering or restraining dogs in an inhumane fashion will soon become a crime in Louisiana with the passage of House Bill 219. The bill makes it illegal to tie, tether or restrain a dog in any way that conflicts with its welfare, unless the restraint is being used as part of an accepted veterinary practice. HB 219 was signed into law July 6 and took effect Aug. 15.