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An update to the Phoenix animal cruelty ordinance addresses several areas to better define the minimal standards required.
The city council, after consulting with welfare organizations and Phoenix departments, made two changes officials consider important in protecting animals.
They included the definition of adequate shelter and the types of restraints a dog owner can use. As an example, chains have been outlawed as an option for tethering a dog, according to a city release.
In addition, adequate shelter means “any natural or artificial cover accessible to an animal throughout the year, which is structurally sound, maintained in good repair to protect the animal from injury and of sufficient size to permit the animal to enter, stand, turn around and lie down in a natural manner,” the release stated.
Adequate shelter must protect the animal from extreme weather conditions, have adequate ventilation and drainage and be maintained in a manner that minimizes the risk of disease, infestations or parasites, according to the release.
The other change states that “restraint means a rope, tether, leash, cable or other device other than a chain that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.”
