Does APL have the authority to take your dog from your yard if it has water, a dog house, food, and is chained up?

Were there reports/signs of abuse? What is the weather? Is it a breed that’s legal to have in your area?

Details, details, details please.

I’m sure it’s at their discretion – based on the physical condition of the dog, the environment it’s in, as well as the factors you listed about.

Some people don’t realize that the length of the chain makes a difference in some jurisdictions .

You can’t put a dog on a 3 foot chain ; not enough leadway to exercise .

I believe that the MINIMUM in most startes is about 10— 12 feet of chain ; it could be more.

Why have a dog if you’re just gonna keep it chained up?

@jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities My sentiments exactly!!

Why do you have it chained to a house in the back yard?

… ignore this answer, please. I didn’t pay close enough attention to the question before I answered.

First of all, there’s no reason to have a dog chained up if the backyard is secure (by secure I mean that the fence goes all the way around the property and not short enough for the dog to jump over).

Secondly, it depends. If it’s really cold or really hot, the shelter you have may be inadequate for the conditions.

If the dog is injured or has signs of having been in a fight, they can take it.

Why? Is the SPCA trying to take your dog?

Yes, I think they do. It all depends. Did the dog look like it was suffering? Was it injured? Was it very hot or cold? How long was the chain?

If cruelty, yes they have the authority.

If there is violation of local laws, I would think a warning would be in order for a first time offense and an explanation of the infraction.

I personally do not like to tie out any animal for fear of strangulation. It happens more often than you realize.

I don’t know your laws. But here you are not allowed to have a dog just chained. The chain has to be attached to a “run” which has to be longer than 10m.