Austin dog laws? (neighborhood, living, law)

[KEGustafson]

I am trying to find out what regulations govern dog owners in Austin. Our neighbors have two dogs who seem pretty neglected--they are shut outside in cold rain all night, without a dog house, and are sometimes (not always) chained, apparently without the owners present. I have three questions: Are they violating any animal ordinances? If yes, what can we do about it? And finally, would they find out who reported them? These neighbors don't have a great reputation in the neighborhood, and we're a little worried about reprisals.
Thanks, everyone, for your help!

[another_hot-day]

MAke an anonomous call to the SPCA.

[Rae']

I think it is now against the law to chain dogs up...but I'm not 100%. I had a problem with a dog in my neighborhood and was worried about "reprisals" too. I called 311 to report it and was able to do so anonymously.

[love roses]

It's illegal to chain dogs up, but I watch a lot of animal planet and found out that, at least in some cities, it is not illegal for dogs to be left outside in rain, cold, or snow. But I think they need to have a shelter available. They won't take the dogs away from them for them just being outside. If they're chained up, that may be a different story.

[another_hot-day]

I guess to get the cold hard facts call animal control and ask them.
I'm also an animal planet viewer so I'm thinking they have to have shelter also.

[b. frank]

Originally Posted by another_hot-day

I guess to get the cold hard facts call animal control and ask them.
I'm also an animal planet viewer so I'm thinking they have to have shelter also.

You guys watch Animal Cops - or whatever they call it?
I love that show. I think the laws vary state to state, and I bet that the federal laws will seem too lenient to animal lovers (just a guess).

BTW, when I first moved to Austin, the APD was hiring for an "Animal Officer". I really wanted to apply, but decided that I'm just not cop material.

[another_hot-day]

I watch animal cops so do my dogs. They get so concerned from time to time with what's going on.

I'm not cop material either but I do one day want to get into something where I can help animals and wildlife in general

[atina33]

and THANK YOU, KEGustafson, for caring.

Too many people just ignore such situations when it's so easy to take action. I don't live in Austin but when I've reported similar situations here in LA, it is all done anonymously.

[austifornian]

[SIZE=2]On June 7th, 2007 the Austin City Council passed an ordinance to eliminate the chaining or tethering of dogs. It’s anticipated that this new law will improve living conditions for many dogs in Austin. [/SIZE]

[Mudd]

I think it depends on whether or not the animals are becoming a nuisance. If they are, the Austin PD will first go out and evaluate. For instance, I had to call the cops on my neighbor's dog the other day who was left outside all day, and barked nonstop until I finally got sick of it at 12:30am. The dog was, I believe, removed by animal control and the owner most likely got fined. Call animal control and just ask if you have concerns, they will be the most help.