Somers Point, New Jersey

§ 120-9 Cruelty to animals prohibited.

C. Chaining or tethering of dogs.

(1) Dogs must be able to move freely when chained or tethered and shall be so confined for a period no greater than nine hours within a twenty-four-hour period. The size of the tether or chain must be a minimum of 15 linear feet and shall remain tangle-free. Dogs must be equipped with properly fitted harnesses or buckle-type collars. The tether or chain shall be constructed of lightweight cable not weighing more than 1/16 of the animal’s weight. A doghouse shall be accessible to dogs that are chained or tethered. Tethered animals shall have access to potable water, food, shelter and dry ground at all times.

(2) No dog or other domesticated animal shall remain outdoors, tethered, untethered or penned, during a period of extreme weather, including, but not limited to, extreme heat (above 90° F.), extreme cold (below 32° F.), or during thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, or hurricanes.

(3) In no instance shall a dog or other domesticated animal remain outdoors, tethered, untethered or penned, under the age of six months old or while sick, injured or in distress.