Cleveland Heights, Ohio

505.101 TETHERING ANIMALS.

(a)   Unlawful restraint of animals: The owner of an animal may restrain an animal on a tether for a reasonable period, not to exceed three hours in a 24-hour period. The tether must be not less than twenty (20) feet or five (5) times the length of the dog, must keep the animal within the owner’s property and must not touch a fence. Further, the animal must have access to shade, dry shelter, and tip-proof water supply.

(b)   Tethering is prohibited:

            (1)   Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;

(2)   If a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

(3)   If a severe weather warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service;

(4)   If the tether is attached by means of a pinchtype, prongtype, or choketype collar or if the collar is unsafe or is not properly fitted;

(5)   If the tether inhibits the animal’s free movement or causes injury or entanglement;

(6)   If the tether is made of a material that is unsuitable for the animal’s size and weight or that causes any unnecessary discomfort to the animal;

(c)   As used in this section, “tether” means a rope, chain, cord, dog run or pulley, or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a radius in which it can move about.

(d)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the second offense, and a misdemeanor of the first degree on the third or any subsequent offense. Notwithstanding the foregoing penalties, if an animal becomes sick or injured as a result of a violation of this section, then whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.