Frankfort, Kentucky

Dec. 16, 2010

Dogs may not be tethered while unattended.

90.31 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS UNLAWFUL.

(B) Other forms of cruelty declared unlawful include:

(5) Minimum standards for restraint of dogs.

(a) It shall be a violation of this section for the owner or person in possession of any dog to tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog; provided, however, that a dog may be temporarily tethered, tied or chained if attended by its owner or any person over the age of 14 years. A person walking a dog on a leash shall not be considered to be tethering a dog.

(b) The prohibition of this section does not apply to a temporary restraint during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, or law enforcement activity.

(c) A person restraining a dog with a chain or tether shall attach the chain or tether to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog. A person may not wrap a chain or tether directly around a dog’s neck. All collars used for the purpose of tethering animals must be made of durable and non-metallic material. Using a chain, choke or pinch collar while tethering is prohibited. A person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether that weighs more than 1/18 of the dog’s body weight. A chain or tether used to restrain a dog must, by design and placement, be unlikely to become entangled.

(d) Where an officer authorized to enforce this section pursuant to • 90.32 observes a dog being kept on a chain or tether in violation of this section, the officer may notify the owner of the violation in person or by means of a notice placed at the entry to the property. If the owner does not comply with this section within seven days of issuance of this notice, the dog may be impounded and the owner shall be fined as set forth in • 90.99 (C).

(e) A person is considered to be attending a dog while tethered if the dog is under the person’s direct and immediate control and supervision.

(♣70 Code, • 8.04.120) (Ord. 9-92, 1992, passed 10-12-92; Am. Ord. 19, 2010, 12-16-10)