Middle Island Man Leaves Pitbull Tethered Outside In Cold: SPCA

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — A Middle Island man left his dog outside on Tuesday, Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals detectives said. He was charged with multiple counts of misdemeanor outdoor restraint violations, the SPCA said via release Wednesday.

Davis left his male pitbull, Crosstown, tethered out in the cold for over an hour on a chain less than 15 feet with links thicker than half an inch, restricting him from dry ground, detectives said.

Davis is scheduled to appear in First District Court on Jan. 23, 2020.

Suffolk County law prevents anyone from tethering or chaining a dog outdoors for more than one continuous hour in any 12-hour period between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. There can be absolutely no tethering between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

No dog can be tethered for any amount of time if the chain or tether:

• Endangers such dog's health, safety or well-being.
• Restricts dog's access to food, fresh water and dry ground.
• Is a choke, pinch or prong collar that restrains in such a manner that it impairs the flow of oxygen or blood.
• Has a collar that is embedded or may become embedded or entangled.
• Has weights attached or links that are more than 1/4 inch thick
• Weighs more than 12.5 percent of the dog's weight, not to exceed 15 pounds or is less than 15 feet in length.
• Is long enough to allow such dog to move outside of its owner's property or is fixed (does not swivel) on either end.
• No person shall tether, leash, fasten, secure, restrain, chain or tie a dog to any stationary object outdoors if the dog is:
  • Less than 6 months of age
  • Sick or injured
  • Nursing mother whose offspring is present

• Multiple dogs shall not be tethered in such a manner that they are able to come into contact with each other while restrained
• You cannot tether, leash, fasten, secure, chain, tie, pen or confine a dog outdoors when:
  • The temperature is below 32° Fahrenheit
  • The temperature is above 90° Fahrenheit
  • The National Weather Service has issued a heat or wind chill advisory, watch or warning or
  • Conditions are not appropriate due to the breed, physical condition and climate as established pursuant to NYS Agriculture and Markets Law 353-b, Appropriate Shelter For Dogs Left Outdoors.
  • Violation constitutes an unclassified misdemeanor