Port St. Lucie, Florida

Sec. 92-14. – Animal care; manner of keeping.

(g) Proper tethering conditions. No animal shall be tethered unless all of the following provisions are met:

(1) Animals younger than six months old, older than seven years, or ill shall not be tethered.

(2) The length and weight of the tether shall be appropriate for the animal breed and shall be a minimum of 10 feet long or 4 times the length of the animal (measured from tip of nose to base of tail), whichever is greater.

(3) The tether must have swivels at both ends of the rope, chain or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a short radius in which it can move about and not become tangled.

(4) Prong, choke or chain collars are prohibited in the use of tethering an animal.

(5) The area which the animal may reach while tethered shall be free of entanglements.

(6) The length and location of the tether must not allow the animal to reach a fence or neighboring property.

(7) Collar weight shall be appropriate for the animal as determined by a reasonable person.

(8) A responsible person must be outside and within view of the animal at all times while tethered.

(9) A trolley system is permitted.

(10) An animal may not be tethered in extreme weather.

(11) The animal shall have access to a dry and raised area at all times.

(h) Animals kept outdoors must be brought into the residence if the outside heat index temperature reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or wind chill factor reaches 35 degrees Fahrenheit or lower; or during severe inclement weather such as: severe thunderstorm, tropical storm/hurricane warning, tropical storm/hurricane; tornado or flooding.