Ottumwa, Iowa

Sec. 7-13. – Hitching animals.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether an animal in the following manner:

(1) Using a tether that is less than ten feet or more than 50 feet in length;

(2) Using a tether that does not have swivels on both ends as to prevent twisting and tangling;

(3) Using a tether that contains chain links more than one-quarter of an inch thick or that has weights attached;

(4) Using a tether that exceeds one-eighth of the dog’s weight; or with a collar made of metal or chain, excluding the buckle, or using a collar, even if made of cloth, designed to continue to tighten, such as a slip lead or noose, when pulled tightly.

(5) No person shall allow an animal to be tethered between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(6) No person shall allow an animal to have access to a public sidewalk or street while tethered.

(7) No person shall allow an animal to be tethered to a utility pole, parking meter, building, structure, fence, sign, tree, bush, bench, newspaper or advertising rack or other object on public property.

(8) No person shall allow an animal to be tethered in extreme weather or in an unsafe location. An unsafe location includes, but is not limited to, near a fence whereby the animal could asphyxiate itself if it jumped over the fence or on a deck whereby the animal could asphyxiate itself if it jumped off of the deck.

(9) No person shall allow an animal to be tethered in a manner that allows it to become entangled with another tethered animal.