The New Law Will Help Prevent Animal Abuse And Neglect As Well As Provide An Additional Tool For Law Enforcement To Act

Kingston, NY — Today, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein signed a new law that is designed to help curtail neglect and animal abuse in Ulster County.  The anti-tethering law places limits on the length of time a domestic animal may be tied outside and the manner in which they are tied.  The County Executive first proposed the concept of the legislation at an announcement to construct a dog park at the County fairgrounds in New Paltz.  The dog park was officially opened in September.

“Animal abuse and neglect is unconscionable and with this law we have an opportunity to make a real difference,” said County Executive Hein. “This law is a tremendous step forward for animal rights and signals very clearly that Ulster County is committed to being a true ‘pet safe’ county.  Law enforcement will now have better tools to address abuse and neglect.  Simply put, the goal of this legislation is to promote responsible pet ownership, and I want to thank Legislators Ken Wishnick and Hector Rodriguez for their role in sponsoring this law in the Ulster County Legislature.”

“This law is a collaborative effort between the County Legislature and the County Executive, and I want to thank Mike Hein for his support,” said Ulster County Legislator Ken Wishnick.  “By working together we have assured that we have a strong, effective law for our residents that will protect the health and safety of our pets.  I also want to thank Adam Saunders, Brian Shapiro, fellow legislative sponsor Hector Rodriguez, and everyone else who has contributed to this law.”

“Legislator Wishnick and I have partnered with County Executive Hein to implement this important local law which provides law enforcement and agencies with the tools and guidelines to protect companion animals,” said Ulster County Legislator Hector Rodriguez.

“Tethering is a cruel practice and dogs chained for long periods of time can become neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive. We applaud the work of County Executive Mike Hein and other county leaders who are supporting a safer, more humane community through this legislation,” stated Brian Shapiro, New York state director for The Humane Society of the United States.

“County Executive Hein not only made the Ulster County Dog Park in New Paltz a reality, he is helping to protect dogs in the community by drawing attention to and helping prevent animal neglect with the new Local Law,´” said Christie DeBoer, President of For Paws of Ulster, Inc. 

The law requires a minimum ten foot tether; access to food, water and appropriate shelter; the use of a buckle type collar instead of a choke collar; the dog to be at least 6 months old and in good health; a maximum tethered time of 12 hours in a 24 hour period; and, no tethering during a weather alert event.  Penalties provided for under the law range from a $100 fine and up to a $2,000 fine, 150 hours of community service and surrender of the animal for a third offense.

Pictured below: Christine DeBoer, Legislator Ken Wishnick, County Executive Mike Hein, Legislator Hector Rodriguez, Brian Shapiro, Assistant County Attorney Susan Plonski