A dog named Butch garnered more than 400 friends on social media over his plight of being
chained outdoors in bitter weather, and many of them showed up at Monday's City Council meeting to urge passage of an anti-tethering amendment to animal laws on the books.
A stream of animal activists came to the microphone to urge support of legislation forbidding extensive tethering and leaving dogs exposed to bad weather without adequate shelter. Brenda Gromek, who said she discovered Butch's plight, called on the council to "put Plainfield on the map" for animal welfare and praised City Council President Bridget Rivers for "moving so quickly" to come up with the legislation, which passed unanimously on first reading Monday. It will be up for final passage on March 9.
"Let the light of Plainfield shine forth," animal activist Maryellen Chanda said. "We don't need this negative publicity."
Chanda said, "Butch is our reason" for an outcry to the governing body for action.
Scott Crawford, assistant director of Associated Humane Societies, added his support to the effort.
The new rules limit the duration of tethering as well as the means, and make it unlawful to leave an animal "outdoors and unattended" for more than half an hour when storms are forecast or the temperature is below 32 degrees or over 85 degrees. It mandates adequate food, water and a dry, shaded place to stay. Violations may result in the animal being seized and put up for adoption and the owner may be fined between $100 to $1,000 for infractions.
A recent
news video portrayed Butch's plight and attempts by activists to help. At Monday's council meeting, a News 12 crew captured the good news of the community's outpouring of support for Butch and all other animals in distress.
--Bernice
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