Reach out to your council Representative with your concerns. Make sure to show them pictures of animals living in inhumane conditions. For example: sad photos of chained and penned dogs, mother dogs and puppies, inadequate shelters, and unsanitary living conditions.

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Examples of Humane Living Ordinances for Dogs & Cats

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• The tether must be at least fifteen feet in length, have swivels on both ends, and allow the animal to utilize the entire 360 degree circular area designated by the tether. The tether must allow the dog free access to food, water and shelter. Any tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar (no metal, choke or training type collars) or properly fitted harness. Tethers are cords made for dogs and are not made of chain.

• Dogs under the age of 6 months cannot be stationary tethered or on a trolley line. 

• Use of a chain, choke, or pinch collar is permitted only while leash  walking.

•  Any dog that is restrained must be a sufficient distance from any other objects or debris so as to prohibit any tangling of the restraint or from extension over an object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation of the dog.

• Trolley lines with (specifications on length, height )and access to doghouse and water.

• An unspayed female dog must be confined within a building or secure fence or kennel to prevent potential contact with stray dogs.

• All outside dogs  and cats must be spayed and neutered to prevent mating. An outside dog or cat is not under the owner's direct control. 

• The area of every fence or kennel must measure a minimum of 100 ft per dog

• ADEQUATE SHELTER An enclosed, weatherproof structure that is manufactured or constructed expressly for housing a dog or cat that reasonably may be expected to protect the animal from physical suffering or impairment of health due to exposure to the elements or adverse weather (enclosed structure). The enclosed structure must be free of urine and fecal matter and provide space for the animal to stand, turn, and lay down. It must be accessible to an animal and be of sufficient size and nature so as to provide the animal with adequate protection from the sun, heat, cold, or rain. The enclosed structure must be elevated off the ground of sufficient height to keep water, snow, or ice from entering it. In addition to the enclosed structure, a dog or cat must have access to enough natural or artificial shade to cover the animal between May 1- November 1  and provide insulation, such as shavings or straw, from November 1 through March 1. Examples of unacceptable shelter include, but are not limited to: underneath or inside motor vehicles, garbage cans, cardboard boxes, plastic or metal barrels, animal transport crates or carriers; or under houses, structures, decks, outside steps or stoops.

• A dog's outside living environment must be on higher ground to prevent flooding and pooling of water in their environment.