November 18, 2008
(effective November 19, 2009)
Tethering is restricted to a total of no more than three hours in a 24-hour period. The tether must be at least 10 feet long and less than 10 percent of the dog’s bodyweight, and a buckle collar or body harness must be used.
Sec. 4-41. Mistreatment of animals unlawful.
The following acts or failure to act relating to the mistreatment of animals are unlawful and violations of this Ordinance:
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(e) It shall be unlawful to restrain any animal except in a humane fashion as set forth in Section 4-37 above and Section 4-41 below.
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(k) It shall be unlawful for any person to restrain a dog using a chain, wire or other type of tethering device in a manner prohibited by this subsection.
(1) No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause such restraining of a dog, to a tree, fence, post, dog house, or other stationary object for more than a total of three hours in a 24-hour period. During periods of tethering that are not unlawful under this subsection, any tethering device used shall be at least ten feet in length and attached in such manner as to prevent strangulation or other injury to the dog and entanglement with objects. In no event shall the time limitations established by this subsection 4-41(k)(1) & (2) below be added together to allow for tethering, fastening, chaining, tying, or restraining to either a stationary object or to a cable trolley system for more than a total of three hours in a 24-hour period.
(2) No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause such restraining of a dog, to a cable trolley system, that allows movement of the restraining device, for more than a total of three hours in a 24-hour period. During periods of tethering that are not unlawful under this subsection, the length of the cable along which the tethering device can move must be at least ten feet, and the tethering device must be of such length that the dog is able to move ten feet away from the cable perpendicularly and attached in such a manner as to prevent strangulation or other injury to the dog and entanglement with objects.
(3) No person shall tether a dog with a chain or wire or other device to, or cause such attachment to, any collar other than a buckle type collar or body harness.
(4) No person shall tether with a chain or wire or other device to, or cause such attachment to, a head harness, choke-type collar or pronged collar to a dog.
(5) No person shall tether with a chain, wire or other device to a dog where the weight of the tethering device and the collar combined exceeds ten percent of the dog’s body weight.
(6) No person shall tether with a chain or wire or other device a dog in such manner that does not allow the dog access to adequate food, water, and shelter.
(7) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections 4-41(k)(1) & (2) of this subsection, a person may, subject to the provisions of subsections 4-41(k)(3—(6), and subject to the requirement that any stationary tethering devise used shall be at least ten feet in length, and subject to the requirement that for any cable trolley system used the length of the cable along which the tethering device can move must be at least ten feet, and the tethering device must be of such length that the dog is able to move ten feet away from the cable perpendicularly:
a. Tether and restrain a dog while actively engaged in:
1. Use of the dog in shepherding or herding livestock, or
2. Use of the dog in the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraining is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog, or
3. Use of the dog in lawful hunting activities if the restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog, or
4. Use of the dog at dog training or performance events, including but not limited to field trials and obedience trials where tethering does not occur for a period exceeding seven consecutive days, or
5. Camping or other recreation where tethering is required by the camping or recreational area where the dog is located, or
6. Any activity where a tethered dog is in visual range of its Owner or Keeper, and the Owner or Keeper is located outside with the dog.
b. After taking possession of a dog that appears to be a stray dog and after having advised animal control authorities of the capture of the dog, tether and restrain the dog in accordance with the provisions of Section 4-41 for a period not to exceed seven days as the person having taken possession of the dog is seeking the identity of the owner of the dog.
c. Walk a dog with a handheld leash.
