Highlands County, Florida

Sec. 4.5-30. – Tethering.

For purposes of this section, the term tether(ing) shall mean to restrain a domestic animal by tying the animal to an object or structure.

(a) It shall be unlawful to tether a dog in a manner inconsistent with the requirements of section 4.5-6 of this Code.

(b) No dog shall be tethered for more than four hours at any time or for more than a total of eight hours in a 24 hour period.

(c) No dog which is under six months in age can be tethered for any period of time, unless in the immediate supervision of an individual who is capable of assisting the animal in case of an emergency.

(d) When tethered and unattended, a dog must be wearing a proper fitting collar or harness.

(e) When tethered a dog must have access to water and shade at all times.

(f) At no time may a dog be tethered in a manner that is dangerous to the dog.

Violations of this section shall be Class II violations and penalized pursuant to the Highlands County Code of Ordinances; however, any person who violates any part of this section, on five or more occasions in one calendar year, may be punished by imprisonment for a term not to exceed 60 days or a fine not to exceed $500.00 or both, for each such violation.