Rockford, Illinois

Sec. 4-62. – Dog tethering.

For purposes of this section, tether shall mean attaching a dog to a stationary object or pulley run by means of a chain, rope, tether, cable or similar restraint. “Tether” does not include the use of a leash to walk a dog.

Owner means any person owning, keeping, caring for, or harboring a dog.

Dogs shall not be tethered except under the following conditions:

(1) Only one dog may be tethered to each cable run; and

(2) The dog must be tethered to a properly fitting collar or harness, with enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat through which two fingers may fit. Choke collars and pinch collars are prohibited for purposes of tethering a dog to a cable run. Only commercially produced products whose primary purpose is the restraint of domestic animals may be used to tether, leash or otherwise restrain an animal; and

(3) There must be a swivel on each end of the lead to minimize tangling of the lead; and

(4) Tethering shall be located so as not to allow such animal to access public property, including sidewalks and parkways, or private property belonging to others, nor in such a manner as to cause harm or danger to persons or other animals; and

(5) The size and weight of the lead must not be excessive, as determined by the enforcement officer, considering the age, size and health of the dog. The use of a lead that exceeds one-eighth of the body weight of the dog is prohibited; and

(6) Tethering with a lead must measure at least ten feet in length.

(7) A person must not tether a dog under circumstances that endanger its health and safety, including:

a. Tethering a dog for more than 20 minutes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;

b. Tethering that does not permit a dog’s access to sufficient quantity of good quality water;

c. Tethering that does not allow a dog to defecate or urinate in an area separate from the area where it must eat, drink, or lie down;

d. Tethering under conditions where the dog or tether can become entangled on the lead or some other object or animal;

e. Tethering that causes injury to, strangles, or chokes the dog;

f. Tethering that does not permit the dog to escape harm;

g. Tethering in an area which would pose a threat to public safety and health;

h. Tethering a dog during severe weather; and

i. Tethering a dog outdoors while its owner is not on the premises.