Dear Hopeful: There is someone in my neighborhood who has a dog tied to a run which is between two trees, in a yard with no fence and no dog house. Is this legal? It seems very cruel to me. What can I do? Thanks. — Patty

Dear Patty: There are two answers to your question. First, lets start with the law. According to California Health and Safety Code s122335, “No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object.” However, a person may do any of the following in accordance with Section 597t of the Penal Code: ”Attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system. A dog SHALL NOT be tethered to a running line, pulley, or trolley system by means of a choke collar or pinch collar.” The fines are $250 to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs. A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 as to each dog or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or both.

It should also be noted that the law also requires that adequate food and shelter (dog house) be provided.

As to the second answer to your question. While it is legal for this person to restrain a dog using the above listed method, in my opinion it can be very cruel. Especially if the yard is not fenced, which means the dog is totally unprotected from wild animals such as coyotes. The dog can get tangled in the dog run lead, making it a prime target for other aggressive animals to attack. It can also put the dog at risk of entanglement of a limb or other body part resulting in possible amputation or even death.

If you feel that the dogs owner is breaking any of the laws which would include no dog house or shelter being provided, no food and or water or a choke or pinch color being used, you can call El Dorado County Animal Services at 530-573-7925 to report the issue.

Thanks for your question.

— Hopeful Henry

An invitation to my readers: the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and SPCA is hosting a Bingo at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Senior Center, 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd. BINGO is not just for seniors. Everyone over 18 is welcome. Also, if you need your dog groomed you can have it done at Best In Show Sunday with the funds earned being donated to the medical expenses of Tahoe Tonka, a local pup that was shot in the face. Call the Lake Tahoe Humane Society at 530-542-2857 for more information or call Best In Show at 775-901-2671 to make your appointment.

Submit your questions or letters via email to hopefulhenrylths@gmail.com or by mail to P.O. Box PET, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96158 You can also become a Facebook friend of Hopeful Henry at http://www.facebook.com/Hopeful.Henry.