City Takes Action to Prevent Abusive Restraint of Animals

New guidelines have been issued by the St. Louis City Commissioner of Health which will put a stop to the abusive practice of using truck, tractor or hardware chains to restrain animals

The Board of Health voted unanimously to authorize the Commissioner of Health to issue an Order mandating the type and design specifications of chains used to restrain animals.

"Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in the City of St Louis," said Health Director Pamela Rice Walker. "We encourage all residents to report illegal chaining and animal abuse by contacting the Citizens' Service Bureau at 314-622-4800 or www.stlouis-mo.gov or by calling the Stray Rescue's animal abuse hotline at 314/771-6121 ext 232. The City will respond to anonymous calls."

 This action strengthens an existing City ordinance that defines tethering as "attaching a dog or cat to a stationary object or pulley run by means of a chain, rope, tether, cable, or similar restraint." The Ordinance also requires the tether to be at least fifteen (15) feet in length with a swivel at both ends and prohibits using a metal chain, tether, or metal wire grossly in excess of the size necessary to restrain the animal safely.

Animal owners/guardians or persons who are found violating the new animal restraint law will be fined $100 and given one week to replace the chain. Failure to comply will result in an additional $100 fine and the person could be subject to prosecution for animal abuse.

This change is effective immediately and Animal Care and Control Officers have been directed by the Commissioner of Health to conduct neighborhood sweeps over the next two weeks to identify and fine violators.