Stop Tethering In North Carolina

Final signature count: 8

8 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

Tethering dogs is extremely dangerous, leaving them vulnerable serious physical threats1.

Tethered dogs are at higher risk for suffering during extreme weather events, becoming dehydrated and hungry, and it restricts their movement, leaving them prone to attacks from other animals or even people2.

Tethered dogs have even gotten tangled to the point of physically injuring themselves while trying to escape their restriction3.

A bill in North Carolina, the Fiona Mae Waggelbottom’s Act4, would make it illegal to keep dogs tethered outside during extreme weather or when temperatures are below 32 or above 85 degrees.

23 other states in the U.S. have laws that limit or entirely restrict how dog owners can tether their dogs5. This is a great step in the direction of protecting domestic animals, but clearly not enough!

North Carolina must follow the lead of other states and pass the Fiona Mae Waggelbottom’s Act.

Animal welfare laws often face a challenge in North Carolina The hog and poultry industries pour millions into lobbying for these bills to be shut down, reasoning that higher welfare standards for some animals could raise the costs of maintenance and care for animals bound for slaughter6.

As summer temperatures are heating up, it’s essential that we protect our beloved furry friends from the dangers of prolonged heat exposure outdoors. We cannot let yet another crucial bill be lost because of politically motivated hesitancy. The lives of countless pets are at stake.

Sign the petition and ask the North Carolina Legislature to ban tethering in the state by passing the Fiona Mae Wagglebottom’s Act!