Tethering/Chaining

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

May 14, 2013

Dogs may not be tethered for longer than it takes the owner or responsible person to complete a temporary task for which the dog must be restrained. Dogs may not be left outside unattended in severe weather.

3-505.6 Tethering of dogs outdoors
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause an unattended dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages, stakes or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are satisfied:
A. The tethering is not for a longer period of time than reasonably necessary for the dog’s owner or custodian to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained.
B. The tether is attached to the dog by a non-choke-type collar and attached to the stationary object by swivel anchors, latches, or similar devices in a manner which prevents the tether from becoming entangled around any object so as to limit the dog’s freedom within the tethered area or to prevent the dog, or any of its appendages, from becoming entangled by the tether.
C. The tether must be of a type commonly used for the size of the dog involved, and if the tether is a chain, it may not be thicker than 1/8 inch.
D. The dog has easy access to potable drinking water, edible food and adequate shade and/or shelter within the tethered area.
E. The dog is periodically monitored while tethered for the aforementioned reasonable period of time.
F. The dog is not tethered outdoors in violation of §3-505.7

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

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