NYC law bans long tethering of dogs

The New York City Council has approved a bill making it illegal for dogs to be tethered outside for more than three hours in a 12-hour period.

The Council voted 41-7 on Tuesday in favor of the measure. First-time violators will be given a written warning or a fine of up to $250 if the animal is injured. Repeat offenders could be fined $500 and get up to three months in jail.

The lawmakers also approved a bill that raises license fees for dogs that haven’t been neutered from $11.50 to $34.