Take Action Today! Delaware sportsmen should call their state representative and ask them to vote NO on SB 139. Members can find their representative by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Center Directory.
Legislation prohibiting the tethering of a dog for more than two consecutive hours will have a hearing on June 27. This fast moving bill has already passed the Delaware Senate by a vote of 15 to 4 after receiving only one hearing. Senate Bill 139 would also make it illegal to tether a dog for more than nine hours during a 24-hour period, even if the dog owner is present.
The hearing will take place at 12:30 p.m. on the House Chamber Floor of the capitol building, giving little opportunity for sportsmen to speak about the negative impacts this bill will have on sporting dog owners. Moving this bill without proper public hearings that would allow constituents and sportsmen to voice their concerns is very troubling.
Anyone violating the law could be charged under the state’s animal cruelty laws and face up to one year in jail and/or a $2,300 fine, and even be forced to forfeit their dog.
About the Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Sportsmen’s Alliance protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible. Stay connected to Sportsmen’s Alliance: Online, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.