The new law will limit the circumstances under which Californians can tether or chain dogs. With few exceptions, "No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object."

Under the law a person may be issued a warning or charged with an infraction or misdemeanor. An infraction is punishable by a $250 fine. A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine up to $1000 or 6 months in jail or both.

The law signals a recognition by Californians and others around the country that tethering or chaining dogs is cruel and inhumane and fosters aggression.

Here are some facts about chaining dogs:

Chained dogs can become aggressive due to intense confinement and lack of socialization. They also feel trapped, unable to escape from noises or people or animals that frighten them.

Between February 2000 and January 2006 at least 107 people were attacked or killed by chained dogs in the United States. About two thirds of those incidents (75) involved children.

Chained dogs typically lack adequate veterinary care, food, water, or shelter. They are rarely exercised or interact with their families. These dogs suffer from neglect. Even if they are not left without adequate care, they lead an unhappy, frustrating existence for such social animals. Dogs on chains suffer intense boredom, anxiety, even neuroses; their lives are very sad and lonely.

Dogs can choke to death when their chains became entangled with other objects, or develop infections and severe wounds when collars become embedded in their necks.

Also, a CDC study found chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite. And, “[t]he dogs most likely to bite are male, un-neutered, and chained.” The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has also declared, "Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior." Chained or tethered dogs present a danger to the community.

Another policy consideration is the inordinate amount of time and other resources animal control must devote to answering calls about cruelly chained dogs and trying to educate pet owners about the harm that comes from this practice. If chaining and tethering is illegal, those animal control resources can be spent elsewhere.

A ban on chaining and tethering can aid in enforcement of dog fighting laws. Law enforcement can use the ban to stop dog fighting because many of these dogs are kept on chains.

Dogs communicate by barking, it's part of their natural behavior. Dogs bark when strangers approach the house and when they hear strange noises. Dog owners want their dog to protect their property by alerting them to anything unusual. In our urban environment there are constant noises and strangers and a dog's barking can become a nuisance to neighbors. Try talking to the dog owner in a non-threatening manner. Leave them a note or speak to them personally regarding the problem. They may not know their dog is bothering you.

If the problem continues, call Livermore Police Department Animal control to file a barking dog complaint, at 925-371-4987:

• Be sure to have the exact address of the barking dog.
• Leave your name and number so that Animal Control can contact you if needed for further information.
• Livermore Animal Control will contact the dog owner and attempt to solve the problem with education and training information.
• If the problem still persists, the reporting person can co-sign a citation and take the matter to court.

If you own a barking dog here are some things you can do to correct the problem:

• Keep the dog inside the house or garage when you are away from home.
• You can leave a low radio on inside the house or garage to muffle outside noises.
• Give the dog things to do to keep it from getting bored.
• Try toys with treats inside, there are puzzle toys for dogs on the market.
• Provide lots of chew toys for the dog.
• Try seeking professional help from a dog trainer.
• Buy a bark correction collar. There are many different kinds of collars to suit your needs

The Leash Law was Amended at the end of 2017

The Livermore Leash Law Ordinance requires all dogs to be on a handheld six foot leash at all times. Also, dogs may not be tied and left unattended on public property. A dog may be secured by a retractable leash; however, the leash may not exceed six feet when in the presence of other people.

Besides being the law, this ordinance is a common sense practice to avoid injury, illness, or loss of your dog.

The exception is in designated dog run areas that are posted for such use.

The City of Livermore currently has 5 fully fenced off-leash dog parks for public use. View Dog Park locations.

Dogs roaming free or left unattended on public property are in violation of the leash law ordinance and are subject to impoundment by Livermore Police Department Animal Control. The Owners of dogs running free may receive a citation and/or a fine.

To report a dog running loose or for more information about the leash law ordinance, please call the Livermore Police Department Animal Control at 371-4987 or you can read the new ordinance in its entirety at:

City of Livermore Leash Law

The owner of any animal who permits such animal to damage or destroy the property of another person or public property, or to repeatedly deposit its body waste fluid or matter upon such property is in violation of Livermore Municipal code 6.04.060 (b).

Violation of this ordinance could result in a fine. This is an infraction and police cannot issue a summons for this violation unless they actually view the offense; however, any citizen who sees this violation can request that the magistrate issue a summons for the offender.