Protecting pets in the heat: City of Surprise looking at changing animal leash laws

SURPRISE, Ariz. (KSAZ) -- People in a Surprise neighborhood are reaching out to the city council, in hopes of making a change in leash laws in the city.

This effort comes after a small dog was left tethered to a backyard kennel in the heat. Surprise Police and animal control say they don't have the authority to intervene, based on the current city ordinance. So, those neighbors decided to reach out to city officials, in hopes it will not happen to other animals.

Residents in the neighborhood reached out to city council member Skip Hall about making changes to the animal tethering and confinement law. The current law is vague, so Hall has been working on updating the language on the ordinance since June.

Hall will be bringing the detailed proposal to the council in September.

VIDEO: FOX 10's Stephanie Olmo reports.