January 26, 2010
This ordinance prohibits the chaining or tethering of animals to a stationary object for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period or under conditions that could harm the animal and/or that could be dangerous to pedestrians.
Sec. 7-2. Definitions.
“Adequate space” means sufficient space to allow each animal to (i) easily stand sit, lie, turn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal and (ii) interact safely with other animals in the enclosure.
When an animal is tethered, “adequate space” means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age and size of the animal; is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least three times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to accepted veterinary standards for the species is considered provision of adequate space. Provided, however, that no animal shall be tethered for more than twelve (12) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period.
Sec. 7- 49. Tethering dogs and other animals.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog or other animal to a stationary object for a more than a reasonable period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by an animal services officer.
(b) The terms “unhealthy situation” and “potentially dangerous situation” shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(1) Tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object
for longer than a reasonable time;
(2) Tether any animal in such a manner as to permit the animal to leave the owner’s property;
(3) Tether any animal in an area that is not properly fenced so as to prevent any person or child from entering the area occupied by said animal;
(4) Tether any companion animal in a manner whereby the animal is subject to harassment and perpetual stings or bites that show evidence of injury from outdoor insects, or attacks by other animals;
(5) Failure to remove waste from the tethered area on a daily basis;
(6) Allow more than one animal to be tethered to each running cable or trolley line.
(7) Use a tether that weighs more than one fifth (1/5) of the animal’s body weight;
(8) Tether, chain, attach to a running cable line or trolley system any animal between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 am;
(9) Use a running cable line or trolley system that is made of a substance which can be chewed by the animal;
(10) Not allow the length of the tether from the running cable line or trolley system to the animal’s collar and permit access to the maximum available exercise area and allow the animal free access to food, water, and shelter;
(11) Not be attached to a properly fitted harness or collar not used for the display of a current rabies tag and other identification; and with enough room between the collar and
the dog’s throat through which two fingers may fit; and
(12) Not be tethered at sufficient distance from any other objects to prohibit the tangling of the cable, from extending over an object or an edge that could result in injury of strangulation of the animal and be of sufficient distance from any fence so as to prohibit the animal access to the fence.
