Nassau Bay has new rules on dog chaining [update]

A new ordinance in Nassau Bay has gone in to effect that prohibits residents from chaining up unattended dogs.
Last week, City Council approved the final reading of the proposed ordinance, City Manager Chris Reed said. It considered such approval last month, but had city staff clarify some of the ordinance's definitions after City Councilman John Haugen raised several concerns about its wording.
"This is a good thing for the city," Reed said.
The ordinance was inspired by residents who tied up their dogs after Hurricane Ike blew down their fences. But unlike other area cities that prohibit dogs from being tethered or chained up at all, Nassau Bay's measure allows that as long as they are not left alone.
Violators of the ordinance can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and fined.
Reed said the American Humane Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association have deemed tethering cruel to animals.
Studies have shown that it can make dogs more aggressive," he said. They can also sustain neck injuries."