Southwest Ranches, Florida

Sec. 3-1. – Supervision, confinement, and tethering of canines, a.k.a. Nikki’s Law.

(a) The following terms, as used in this section, are defined as set out below:

Tether: The act of constraining an animal’s movement by securing a leash (or other similar device) which is holding a dog to some fixed object for longer than two (2) continuous hours.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or is in control of any canine to tether that canine for longer than sixteen (16) hours per day.

(c) In the event a canine is tethered outdoors the following conditions shall apply:

(1) The canine must be periodically monitored to ensure that the canine is not in any danger.

(2) The tether shall:

a. Be connected to the dog with a buckle-type collar or a body harness made of nylon, leather, or other material not less than one (1) inch in width;

b. Be at least five (5) times the length of the dog’s body, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, terminates at both ends with a swivel;

c. Not be of an excessive weight based upon the dog’s size and weight;

d. Be attached in a manner to reduce the possibility of tangles;

e. Be attached in a manner so as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.

(3) The canine shall not be tethered during extreme weather events.

(4) The canine shall have access to food, water, shelter and dry ground.

(5) Each canine shall have at least one hundred fifty (150) square feet of space to maneuver.

(6) All canines shall be tethered separately.

(d) A canine shall not be tethered if:

(1) The canine is less than six (6) months of age.

(2) The canine is sick or injured.

(e) A violation of this section presents a serious threat to the public health, safety, or welfare, or may cause irreparable or irreversible harm and shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent and in accordance with the highest civil penalties afforded by law.