Protesters gather outside the Hillsborough County Commission building before a committee takes actions on an anti-tethering ordinance.

TAMPA - Hillsborough County is one step closer to passing an anti-tethering ordinance that would make it illegal to keep a dog chained in a yard for long periods of time.

The County Animal Advisory Committee moved Wednesday night to present an anti-tethering law to the full county commission Thursday morning.

The new law would allow owners to tether their dogs for no more than 30 minutes during an eight-hour period. Anything longer than that would not be allowed if the ordinance is enacted.

The law currently says that a dog must have food, water and adequate shelter. But animal advocates say it's not enough, charging that the way the law is written, an owner can keep a dog chained outside 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If passed, Hillsborough Animal Services says there will be a six-month education period for the public.

"My staff is looking forward to putting it in effect," said Dennis McCullough Operations Director for Hillsborough County Animal Services.

Opponents of the ordinance told the committee there are enough laws and regulations governing the treatment of animals; what is needed is more education and enforcement.

The full commission will make the final decision on whether to adopt the new tethering rules.