June 21, 2016
This ordinance prohibits tethering except during some events or for one hour during unforeseen circumstances.
CHAPTER 97: ANIMALS
§ 97.15 UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF AN ANIMAL.
(B) A person commits an offense if he uses a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. This section does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
(C) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
(1) The dog is being tethered during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity;
(2) The dog tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, and the dog’s owner maintains direct physical control of the dog;
(3) The dog tethering is due to force majeure and the dog is tethered for less than one hour within a 24 hour period; or
(4) The dog tethering:
(a) Occurs while the dog is within the [owner’s] direct physical control; and
(b) Prevents the dog from advancing to the edge of any public right-of-way.
(D) Outdoor kennels used to house and contain an animal must be at a minimum no less than 50 square feet per animal providing for adequate movement of each animal. Nursing animals under three months of age may be kenneled together.
