May 21, 2009
Animals may not be tethered when temperatures are below freezing, for an extended duration during inclement weather, or for longer than eight hours in a 24-hour period. Dogs under 5 months of age may not be tethered for an extended period of time.
§ 5-18.1 Shelter and Care of Animals.
a. Conditions of Pens and Premises.
1. It shall be unlawful for any person keeping or harboring animals to fail to keep the premises where such animals are located free from excessive animal waste and offensive odors to the extent that such waste and odors disturb person(s) residing or located within twenty (20) feet from the premises. It shall be unlawful to allow the premises where animals are kept to become unclean and a threat to the public health by failing to diligently and systematically remove all animal waste from the premises.
2. If animals are kept outdoors, access to shelter that supplies protection from weather shall be provided. Shelters shall be well constructed and appropriate for the species. All animals shall have access to adequate shade and water. The animal’s age, physical condition and hair coat shall be considered when determining whether available shelter is proper. The Animal Control Officer shall be empowered to make such determination.
3. Should the property restriction, environment or mitigating circumstances prevail and the animal must be tethered or tied outdoors, the confinement on the tether shall be no more than eight (8) hours during any twenty-four (24) hour period. The tether must be at least fifteen (15) feet in length and positioned to prevent tangling and hanging. If an animal must be tethered or tied outdoors, the animal must wear a properly fitted harness or buckle collar to prevent tangling or hanging. No chains shall be permitted for tethering or tying an animal outdoors. No dog shall remain outdoors in temperatures below freezing, thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit during the night or for extended periods in inclement weather unless the owner of the dog has demonstrated to the Animal Control Officer that by breed or acclimation the animal can withstand such circumstances with no harm to the animal.
4. In no instance shall a dog less than five (5) months of age be left or permitted to remain outside for extended periods of time.
