An animal rights victory

Every once in a while, there are little victories for animal rights. This one was in the Austin American-Statesman on Friday: "Leaving tethered or chained dogs outside alone will no longer be allowed in Austin. The City Council on Thursday approved the ordinance by a 7-0 vote. The new law also requires that any outdoor enclosure used as the primary living area for a dog have at least 150 square feet of space for each dog, age 6 months or older. City officials have acknowledged that the law might disproportionately affect lower-income residents. Critics have said dogs are often chained because fencing is expensive. Low-income families will get help complying with the new law; each address or family could get up to $250 in assistance. The law will become effective Oct. 1. Enforcement will start with warnings, said David Lurie, director of the city's Health and Human Services Department."
I can't tell you how many times I've seen a poor animal chained up in the neighborhood where I live. One man down the street keeps his dog chained up to a tree in the front yard. Why have a pet if you are going to be so cruel? I wish we could get a law in Harlingen like the one Austin passed. Bravo to the progressive folks in Austin.