Fairburn, Georgia

Sec. 11-63. – Tethering.

It shall be unlawful for the owner, custodian, or harborer of any dog to restrain or anchor such animal by means of a tether; provided, however, a dog may be temporarily restrained by means of a tether while the dog is being attended to by its owner, custodian, or harborer, subject to the following terms and conditions:

(1) No tether may be directly wrapped around the dog’s neck, or any part of the dog’s body.

(2) The tether must be attached to a properly fitted collar or harness, which is not excessively heavy or weighted so as to inhibit the dog’s movement.

(3) In no event shall the length of the tether exceed eight feet and in no event shall the length of the tether permit the dog to move beyond the property limits of the dog’s owner, custodian, or harborer, nor shall the length of the tether permit the dog to come within 12 feet of any public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way.

(4) At all times while being restrained by a tether, the dog must be under the immediate attention of a responsible person not less than 18 years of age.

(5) Whenever any dog shall be observed while being restrained by a tether for more than ten minutes, but not under the immediate attention of a responsible person not less than 18 years of age, it shall be presumed that the dog is being unlawfully tethered and restrained in violation of this section.

(6) For purposes of this section, “under the immediate attention of” means the presence of a responsible person, who, for the duration of the time the dog is temporarily restrained by means of a tether, is actively engaged in one or more physical tasks necessary for the care of the dog, such as the provision of food, water, grooming, medical attention, or housekeeping.