Take Action: Tell the USDA to Support Leash Laws in Pennsylvania!

Sign the petition to protect dogs from being inhumanely leashed.

Tell the USDA to Support Leash Laws in Pennsylvania!

Goal: 30,000 • Progress: 20,894

Sponsored by: The Animal Rescue Site

In several states, leash laws have been enacted that provide for dogs' safety when tethered to a solitary object. The laws were passed as a result of many instances in which dogs had been left outside in extreme weather, chained with unsafe or harmful collars and leashes, and left without water or food.

Pennsylvania has yet to implement leash laws. With its extreme weather during both summer and winter, dogs need the protection from being left out in severe conditions. An initiative in 2010— if it had passed— would have made it illegal in Pennsylvania to leave a dog out in extremely hot or cold weather, to as well as to leave it without water or food.

Sign the petition asking Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to add his support to new legislation that will require that dogs be treated humanely when tethered.

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

Pennsylvania is just one state that has yet to implement tethering laws for dogs. We need leash laws because there have been instances in which dogs were left out in extreme weather, without food, water, or proper shelter. This is simply inhumane and needs to be outlawed immediately.

Pennsylvania needs to outline standards for tethering a dog to a solitary object. All of the following should be included in any potential legislation:

· Food and water must be within reach of the dog
· The dog must have access to shade of some kind
· Leashes and collars must be up to standard
· Weather must not be extreme

Please use your influence within the USDA to ensure no dog will have to endure sub-par conditions and physical trauma as a result of being improperly tethered.

Sincerely,