2015
Certain conditions must be met for a dog to be tethered.
Sec. 6-16. Care and humane treatment of animals.
(a) For purposes of this section, “restraint” shall mean a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device that attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.
(b) It shall be unlawful for an owner or other person to:
(10) Secure by use of a restraint a dog or other animal to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian.
(A) “Unhealthy situation” and “potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian” shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) Leaving a dog unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement:
a. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
b. Within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or
c. In the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction, or a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.
(ii) Secure by use of a restraint an animal in such a manner as to permit the animal access upon any public “right-of-way”;
(iii) Secure by use of a restraint an animal in such a manner that does not permit the animal to reach shelter, food, or water;
(iv) Secure by use of a restraint an animal in such a manner that it is subject to attacks by persons or other animals, stinging bites from outdoor insects, or other similar hazards that pose an unreasonable threat of injury to the animal;
(v) Failing to remove waste on a daily basis from the area in which the animal is restrained;
(vi) Using a choke-type collar to on an animal in conjunction with a restraint.
(B) It shall be minimally required that the tether used must be at least ten (10) feet in length, equipped with swivel ends, positioned in such a manner as to prevent the animal from becoming entangled with any obstruction, from partially or totally jumping any fence, or from leaving any part of its owner’s property, and that is secured to the animal using a properly fitted collar or harness.
(C) For purposes of subsection (10), a restraint unreasonably limits a dog’s movement if the restraint: uses a collar that is pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or that is not properly fitted to the dog; is a length shorter that the greater of five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail or 10 feet; is in an unsafe condition; or causes injury to the dog.
(D) Notwithstanding subsections [sic] subsection (10) does not apply to:
(i) A dog restrained to a running line, pulley, or trolley system and that is not restrained to the running line, pulley, or trolley system by means of a pinch-type, prong-type, choke-type, or improperly fitted collar;
(ii) A dog restrained in compliance with the requirements of a camping or recreational area as defined by a federal, state, or local authority or jurisdiction;
(iii) A dog restrained 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 dog to be restrained;
(iv) A dog restrained while the owner is engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by this state if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog;
(v) A dog restrained while the owner is engaged in conduct directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock; or
(vi) A dog restrained while the owner is engaged in conduct directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.
