Existing law prohibits, with certain exceptions, a person from restraining a dog: (1) using certain tethers, chains, ties, trolleys or pulley systems or other devices; (2) using a prong, pinch or choke collar or similar restraint; or (3) for more than 14 hours during a 24-hour period. (NRS 574.100) Section 1 of this bill prohibits a person from restraining a dog for more than 10 hours during a 24-hour period. In addition to the prohibitions on restraining a dog, existing law requires that any pen or other outdoor enclosure that is used to maintain a dog be appropriate for the size and breed of the dog. Existing law exempts from the limitations on restraining a dog or maintaining a dog in such enclosures circumstances where a dog is: (1) being used lawfully to hunt a species of wildlife in this State during the hunting season for that species; (2) receiving training to hunt a species of wildlife in this State; (3) being kept in a shelter or boarding facility or temporarily in a camping area; (4) temporarily being cared for as part of a rescue operation or in any other manner in conjunction with a bona fide nonprofit organization formed for animal welfare purposes; or (5) with a person having custody or control of the dog, if the person is engaged in a temporary task or activity with the dog for not more than 1 hour. Existing law sets forth graduated criminal penalties depending on whether the offense is a first, second or third and subsequent offense for a violation of certain provisions relating to animal cruelty. (NRS 574.100) Section 1 eliminates the exemption where a dog is being kept in a boarding facility so that: (1) the limitations on the restraint and use of outdoor enclosures apply to a dog in such circumstances; and (2) the graduated criminal penalties also apply to such circumstances. Section 1 further: (1) exempts from the limitations where a dog is being processed into an animal shelter; and (2) limits the exemptions where a dog is temporarily being cared for as part of a rescue operation in conjunction with an animal rescue operation or staying in a camping area to a period of less than 1 month.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 574.100
Reprint 1: 574.100
Reprint 2: 574.100
As Enrolled: 574.100
BDR: 574.100