The Hawaii County Council will consider a resolution this week asking the state to strengthen its animal cruelty law.
The Hawaii County Council will consider a resolution this week asking the state to strengthen its animal cruelty law.
Introduced by Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille, the measure urges lawmakers in Honolulu to require owners to use a tether of at least five feet when restraining their dog.
Any tether that entangles, endangers or harms a dog or limits its movement to an unsafe or unsanitary condition also would be prohibited in the request.
Wille said she sees mistreatment of animals as an issue in the state.
“I think it’s getting less and less, but it still occurs,” she said.
Currently, the state’s animal cruelty law prohibits the use of a choke collar when restraining a dog to a stationary object. It doesn’t address the length of rope, leash or other form of restraint.
A council committee already voted in favor of the resolution.
Wille said she spoke with the Hawaii Island Humane Society about the issue.
“I think nationally, five feet is one of the best practices,” she said.
A restraint shorter than three times the length of the dog also would be prohibited.
Wille said she didn’t introduce a bill allowing the county to enact the restrictions to avoid fights over proper jurisdiction.
She said a strengthened state law could be used as an educational tool, rather than punishment.
A violation would be considered cruelty to animals in the second degree, a misdemeanor.
“You give warnings and educate,” Wille said. “But it has to have some stick behind it.”
The council will meet starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona.
Video conferencing is also available in Hilo Council Chambers and satellite locations.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.