April 18, 2013
Dogs may not be tethered for more than eight hours at a time, during severe weather, or if the owner is not present on the property.
ORDINANCE NO. 2541
An Ordinance regulating the tethering of animals within the village of Dennison, Ohio, and declaring an emergency. WHEREAS, it has become necessary for the Council of the Village of Dennison, Ohio to regulate the tethering of animals within the territorial limits of the Village of Dennison, Ohio. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the Village of Dennison, Ohio as follows:
SECTION 1.No person shall tether an animal in any of the following circumstances:
(A) For more than 8 hours totaling a 24-hour period with no less than one half-hour period between tetherings;
(B) If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or by the National Weather Service;
(C) With no cover, shelter, bedding, or straw;
(D) If the tether is less than 6 feet in length;
(E) If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line, or cross on to public property;
(F) If the tether may cause injury or entanglement
(G) If the animal is not provided with its needs as identified in Ordinance No. 2323;
(H) If the tether is made of material that is unsuitable for the animal’s size and weight, or that causes any unnecessary discomfort to the animal;
or
(I) If no owner or occupant is present at the premises.
SECTION 2. 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.
SECTION 3.Whoever violates this ordinance 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 third 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 third degree.
SECTION 4.This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and its immediate passage is necessary in order to preserve, protect and maintain the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Village of Dennison, Ohio and for the further reason that immediate action is needed to regulate certain activities within the limits of the Village of Dennison, Ohio.
