Tethering/Chaining

Cleveland, Ohio

May 25, 2012

Dogs may not be tethered for more than six hours total in a 24-hour period or longer than two hours at a time with one-hour breaks between tethering. Certain requirements must also be met in order for a dog to be tethered.

§ 603.092 Tethering Animals

(a) No person shall tether an animal in any of the following circumstances:

(1) For more than six (6) hours total in a twenty-four (24) hour period and not more than two (2) consecutive hours with no less than a one (1) hour period between tetherings;

(2) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

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

(4) If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

(5) If the tether is less than twenty (20) feet in length;

(6) If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public property;

(7) If the tether is attached by means of a pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type collar or if the collar is unsafe or is not properly fitted;

(8) If the tether may cause injury or entanglement;

(9) If the animal is not provided with its needs as identified in division (b) of Section 603.091;

(10) 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;

(11) If no owner or occupant is present at the premises.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(Ord. No. 12-12. Passed 5-21-12, eff. 5-25-12)

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

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