Delaware, Ohio

505.25. – Neglect of companion animals.

(b) No person who confines or who is the custodian or caretaker of a companion animal shall negligently do any of the following:

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(4) Leave an unattended companion animal restrained by a tether outdoors for an excess of 15 continuous minutes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(c) Tethers of companion animals must be of a sufficient length to allow reasonable freedom of movement, without allowing the animal to leave the harborer’s property and the area of restraint must be free of entangling objects. Tethers must be of suitable size and secured to the animal in such a manner that the animal will not be injured or choked. Strict liability is intended for enforcement of this section.

(d) Violation of this section is a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) on a first offense and a second degree misdemeanor for a second offense within one year. However, if a companion animal experiences serious physical harm as a result of a violation of this section, violation that section is a misdemeanor of the first degree.