July 8, 2008
Sec. 6-80. – Tethering of animals.
(a) No person shall tether an unattended animal by any means on any public property such as city parks or utility easements, or private property accessible to the public, such as undeveloped lots or unfenced yards, or any other plot or tract where the public has unrestricted access.
(b) No person shall tether an animal without providing unrestricted, continuous access to shade and water.
(c) No person shall tether an animal for more than three hours without providing unrestricted, continuous access to a wind and moisture proof shelter.
(d) No person shall tether an animal in such a way that the tethering device can become tangled around trees, poles or other obstacles and prevent the access to shade, water or shelter.
(e) No person shall leave an animal outside and unattended by use of a tether that unreasonably limits the animal’s movement:
(1) Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
(2) Within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or
(3) In the case of extreme weather conditions.
(f) A tether unreasonably limits an animal’s movements if the tether:
(1) Uses a collar that is a pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or that is not properly fitted to the animal;
(2) Is a length shorter than the greater of:
a. Five times the length of the animal’s nose to the base of the animal’s tail, or
b. Ten feet.
(3) Is in an unsafe condition; or
(4) Causes an injury to the animal.
(g) Subsection (e) of this section shall not apply to:
(1) An animal tethered to a running line, pulley, or trolley system and that is not tethered to the running line, pulley, or trolley system by a means of a pinch-type, prong-type, choke-type, or improperly fitted collar.
(2) An animal tethered for a reasonable period, not to exceed three hours in a 24-hour period, and no longer than is necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the animal to be tethered;
(3) An animal tethered while the owner is engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by the state if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with and requires the use or presence of the animal;
(4) An animal tethered while the owner is engaged in conduct directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock; or
(5) An animal tethered while the owner is engaged in conduct related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the use of the tether is reasonably necessary for the safety of the animal.
(Ord. No. 810-97, § 15(F), 1-28-1997; Ord. No. 1119-08, § 3, 7-8-2008)
