Alachua County, Florida

Sec. 72.10. – Humane treatment for animals.

(d) Tethering. Except as provided herein and in subsection 72.34(b) no person shall ether a dog or cat or restrain a dog or cat by means of tethering, unless the following conditions are met:

(1) The owner, or other person in custody of the animal, is outside with the tethered animal and such person is in visual range of the animal; and

(2) The dog or cat is attached to the tether by a buckle-type collar or a body harness. A dog or cat shall not be tethered by means of a choke-type, pinch-type, prong-type, or improperly fitting collar; and

(3) The tether has the following properties: it is at least five times the length of the tethered animal’s body, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the animal’s tail; it terminates at both ends with a swivel; it does not weigh more than one-eighth of the tethered animal’s weight; and it is free of tangles; and

(4) The dog or cat is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement; and

(5) If there are multiple dogs or cats, each dog or cat must be tethered separately and in accordance with the requirements of this Code; and

(6) The dog or cat is not outside during a period of extreme weather, including without limitation extreme heat or near-freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, or hurricanes; and

(7) The dog or cat has continuous access to adequate water as defined in Section 72.1(2) and, adequate shelter as defined in Section 72.10(3); and

(8) The dog or cat is at least six months of age. Puppies or kittens shall not be tethered; and

(9) The dog or cat is not sick or injured.