DE SB139

Prohibits dogs from being confined outdoors and unattended during hazardous weather advisories or warnings issued by the National Weather Service, with "outside and unattended" defined as exposure to elements longer than 15 minutes without visual range and physical presence of owner.

Requires outdoor dog shelters to be substantially moisture-proof and windproof with solid, moisture-proof floors; mandates additional bedding and windbreaks between November 1 and March 31 or when temperature is 35°F or lower.

Restricts tethering to maximum of 2 hours when owner or responsible person is not present on property; requires tethers be minimum 10 feet in length and attached to proper collars (not choke, pinch, prong, or martingale collars).

Establishes civil penalties for violations: $100 for first violation, $250 for second violation, and $500 for each subsequent violation, in addition to costs.

Amends cruelty to animals statute to prohibit tethering dogs for 9 or more consecutive hours in any 24-hour period (except on farms of 10+ acres owned or leased by dog's owner) and prohibits any tethering of dogs under 4 months old or nursing mothers.