Texas Senator Eddie Lucio files new bill to prevent dog abuse 1 month 2 weeks 5 days ago Monday, February 01 2021 Feb 1, 2021 February 01, 2021 5:18 AM February 01, 2021 in News - Local If approved, dog owners would be required to follow certain rules or face misdemeanor charges. Lucio currently has seven dogs, and says if there's a dog in need, his family will make room. "Quite frankly, they become part of the family," Lucio said. "And you enjoy being with them, and you enjoy watching them grow up." The new bill, if passed, would make it mandatory for dogs left outside to have access to potable water, for them to be restrained by a leash that is no shorter than five times the length of the dog, and to have shelter while it's raining, or during other severe weather conditions. Owners would no longer be allowed to restrain dogs with chains.