RICHMOND, Va. – With the coldest days of winter upon us, a new state law is in effect that prohibits keeping animals tied (tethered) outside in sub-freezing conditions. A local ordinance is already in effect in Danville that bars the tethering of dogs.

The statewide law prohibits the practice during the following conditions:

• When the temperature is under 33 degrees
• During a severe weather warning
• If the animal is in danger from predators or ill-equipped to tolerate
tethering, e.g., puppies or dogs who are old, ill, injured, or vulnerable
in some other way

The new law also requires that tethers be no less than 15 feet long.

Dogs and cats are required to have adequate food, water, shelter and veterinary care. The shelter must protect them from injury, rain, sleet, snow, hail, the adverse effects of cold, and be clean and dry.

During cold weather the shelter must have a windbreak at its entrance and a quantity of insulated bedding material consisting of hay, cedar shavings or the equivalent that is sufficient to protect the dog and cat from cold and promote the retention of body heat.

Anyone who witnesses a dog or cat without this legally required protection should report it to their local animal control department. If possible, witnesses should take pictures and note how long an animal is left without adequate food, water, or shelter.