June 20, 2016
This ordinance limits tethering to ten hours per day and bans overnight tethering.
SECTION 505.102 – TETHERING ANIMALS
(a) “Tether” means a rope, chain, cord or pulley, or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a radius in which it can move about.
(b) Tethering an animal within the following circumstances is strictly prohibited:
1. For a total of more than ten (10) hours within a twenty-four (24) hour period;
2. Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
3. If a heat or cold advisory or a severe weather warning by the National Weather Service for the City of Lorain or area including same has been issued by the national weather service for the area in which the animal is kept or harbored;
4. If the tether is less than five (5) times the dog’s length or less than fifteen feet in length;
5. If the tether allows the animal beyond its owner’s property line or [to] traverse residence boundary lines, public property, or right of way;
6. If the tether is attached by means of a pinch, prong or choke type collar, or if the collar is otherwise unsafe or improperly fitted or may otherwise cause injury or entanglement of the animal;
7. If the animal is not provided with a sanitary environment, free from an accumulation of feces and all provisions of Chapter 505 of the Lorain Codified Ordinances, including but not limited to sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food, potable water and appropriate shelter from the elements;
8. If the tether is made of a material that is unsuitable for the animal’s size and weight or that causes any unnecessary discomfort to the animal; is not tethered with a lead that (i) exceeds one-eighth (1/8) of the dog’s body weight, or (ii) is a tow chain or log chain or similar apparatus;
(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor for the first offense, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the second offense and a misdemeanor of the first degree on the third or any subsequent offense.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing penalties, if an animal is injured as a result of a violation of this section, whoever violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
