UNCHAIN PA DOGS is dedicated to promoting legislation in Pennsylvania to end the widely tolerated practice of chaining dogs for life, or for extended periods of time.

HB1254 was introduced on April 13, 2009 by Rep. Mario Scavello (R) of Monroe County, PA. It is the third anti-tethering bill to be introduced in Pennsylvania.

HB1254 would limit the number of hours a dog can be tethered outside within a 24 hour period. Dogs would not be permitted to be tethered outside unattended between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. In addition, the following protections would be in place during the hours a dog is permitted to be tethered:
* Tether must not become entangled
* Minimum tether length requirement
* Tow chains are not permitted
* Proper fitting collar or harness
* Protection from direct rays of the sun (requirement for shade)
* Tethering is not permitted when a weather advisory has been issued

As of January 22, 2010, this bill is still awaiting action in the Judiciary Committee. Learn how you can help dogs in Pennsylvania as well as how you can help dogs in your state.