Animal advocates are urging fellow animal lovers to contact their state representatives in support of a state bill that would prohibit pet owners from tying up their dogs between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The bill, which animal rights experts say would mandate healthier tethering methods, makes sure that dogs aren't tied up all day and force pet owners to provide proper shelter from the sun, food and water to chained dogs, will soon be voted on.

According to the ASPCA, the bill will protects animals and people because dogs often become aggressive when tied for long periods of time.

The bill, HB-1065, is expected to be voted on soon by Pennsylvania's House of Representatives, but the ASPCA said recent proposals would greatly dimish the positive impact of the bill and want people to contact lawmakers.

Animal organizations are pushing people to tell their representatives to pass the bill in its original form, without considering the proposed amendments that would allow dogs to be tied up for longer periods of time.

According to the ASPCA, tethering dogs is cruel, dangerous for people, and over time, creates anxious, frustrated and aggressive dogs.

In fact, tethered dogs are almost three times more likely to bite and are responsible for a substantial percentage of fatal attacks, ASPCA announced in an e-mail.

Large animal rights groups sent out mass e-mails this week in hopes people would take time to contact lawmakers.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wrote:

"Dogs who are largely deprived of mental and social stimulation also often develop eating disorders and anti-social and/or aggressive behaviors or become withdrawn, hyperactive, or severely depressed. Many dogs left to fend for themselves at the end of a chain fall prey to attacks by other animals or cruel people."

The bill also proposed that any tether or chain must be at least 6 feet long or 5 times as long as the dog, whichever is longer.

In addition, it must be attached in a way that will prevent tangling or injury and must allow the dog access to food, water and adequate shelter from the sun.

The collar used must be properly fitted, and no choke, pinch or prong-type collars maybe used.

Dogs used for herding other animals are exempt from the proposed law.

There's also an exception for dogs tied up for safety during agricultural operations or on camping or other recreational trips.

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