Harris County, Texas

October 1, 2007

Dogs may not be tethered between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. or during extreme weather conditions.

SECTION 13. UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOGS

1. A person who owns or has custody or control of a dog and who uses a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system shall comply with Chapter 821, Subchapter D, sections 821.076 through 821.081 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, as amended. Dogs must have a properly fitted collar and restraint system as required by Subchapter D, Chapter 821 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
2. A person who owns or has custody or control of a dog may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system that: unreasonably limit the dog’s movement: between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.; or is located within 500 feet of a school; or occurs during extreme weather conditions as defined in Subchapter D, Chapter 821 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
3. A chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system unreasonably limits a dog’s movement if it:
   1. uses a collar that is pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or that is not properly fitted to the dog;
   2. is a length shorter than the greater of: 17
      1. five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail; or
      2. 10 feet;
   3. is in an unsafe condition; or
   4. causes injury to the dog.