Balch Springs, Texas

Sec. 10-147. – Dogs running at large; restraint and confinement of dogs.

(e) It shall be unlawful for a person to use a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.

(f) It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (e) that the dog tethering:

(1) Is during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity and a person is present at all times to watch the dog;

(2) Is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, and the dog’s owner or agent is present and maintains physical control of the dog;

(3) Occurs in a designated city dog park, and the owner or owner’s agent is present; or

(4) Occurs on the owner’s premises, and:

a. While the dog is within the owner’s or owner’s agent presence; and

b. Prevents the dog from advancing to within 15 feet of the edge of any public street.

(g) The affirmative defenses provided in subsection (f) are only available if the following specifications are met:

(1) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness worn by the dog;

(2) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is not placed directly around the dog’s neck;

(3) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device does not exceed one-twentieth of the dog’s body weight;

(4) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device, by design and placement, allows the dog a reasonable and unobstructed range of motion without entanglement; and

(5) The dog has access to adequate shelter and clean and wholesome water.

(h) A person commits an offense if the person fails to comply with this section.

(1) An offense under this section is a class C misdemeanor. If a person fails to comply with this section with respect to more than one dog, the person’s conduct with respect to each dog constitutes a separate offense.

(2) An offense under this section is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.

(i) This section does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash or device like a blind dog harness.