(Austin, Tx) – A new state law to help protect dogs went into effect Tuesday.

The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act prohibits the way in which outdoor dogs can be treated or restrained.  The new law says dogs kept outdoors must have access to adequate shelter from extreme temperatures, inclement weather and standing water.  The dogs must also have access to clean drinking water, and it bans the use of chains as restraints.  The new law removes a previous 24-hour waiting period that prevented animal control or law enforcement officers from taking immediate action.

Persons found in violation of the law could be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $500.