April 6, 2015
This ordinance restricts chaining to six hours per day and three consecutive hours without an hour-long break in between. Chaining is prohibited during extreme weather such as rain, and a minimum required chain length is defined.
92.052 – Tethering animals.
A. No person shall tether an animal in any of the following circumstances:
- For more than six (6) hours total in a twenty-four (24) hour period or for more than three (3) consecutive hours with less than a one (1) hour period between tetherings;
- Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
- If a heat or cold advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or the national weather service;
- If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the national weather service;
- If the length of the tether is less than five times the length of the animal;
- If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public property;
- If the tether is attached by means of a pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type collar or if the collar is unsafe or is not properly fitted;
- If the tether may cause injury or entanglement;
- If the animal is not provided with its needs as identified in Division (C) of Section 92.051;
- If the tether is made of a material that is unsuitable for the animal’s size and weight or that causes any unnecessary discomfort to the animal;
- If no owner or occupant is present at the premises.
B. As used in this section, “tether” means a rope, chain, cord, dog run or pulley, or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a radius in which it can move about.
