February 8, 2010
This ordinance bans the chaining of dogs. However, temporary chaining is permitted as long as the “owner” is present with said dog. When the owner is absent, the dog cannot be left chained to a stationary object such as a doghouse. Dogs confined within a fenced yard must have an adequate space of at least 100 square feet per dog for exercise. The enclosure must be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping, and the enclosure must be constructed of chain link or similar type materials, with all four sides enclosed.
Section 3-15. Tethering.
(a) Any person owning and/or controlling dogs, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, licensed or unlicensed, shall not allow said animal to be tied or chained to a fixed object.
(b) No person shall at any time fasten, chain, or tie any dog or cause such dog to be fastened, chained, or tied while such dog is on the owner’s property, or on the property of dog owner’s landlord, or on any property within the territorial limits of the City of Nassau Bay.
(c) Any dog confined within a fenced yard must have a minimum exercise area of one hundred (100) square feet per dog. Provided further that where dogs are kept or housed on a single family residential property without a fenced yard, the owner or persons having custody of such dogs shall provide an enclosure for such dogs meeting the one hundred (100) square feet per dog dimensions. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four (4) sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of such enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit owners or others from walking dogs with a handheld leash or temporarily tethering their dog so long as the owner is immediately present and the animal is not left unattended for no more than five (5) minutes while tethered.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit owners from allowing dogs to be attached to overhead runs (i.e. leash or chain attached to an overhead wire at least ten (10) feet long that allows the dog to move unheeded).
