Columbia, Missouri

June 4, 2018

Unattended tethering is prohibited. Attended tethering is subject to certain restrictions, including the type and length of tether.

Sec. 5-6. – Animal abuse; unlawful impoundment; unlawful confinement; tethering.
(d) Tethering. It shall be unlawful to tether any animal except under the following restrictions:
(1) No animal may be tethered as the primary method of restraining an animal to any property. No animal may be tethered for a period longer than thirty (30) minutes unless it has also been provided with adequate food, water and shelter suitable for the species, age and condition of the animal;
(2) No animal may be tethered unless supervised by a competent person physically present on the property;
(3) The tether must be of a type and weight that allows for the free movement of the animal and shall be no less than three (3) times the animal’s length or ten (10) feet, whichever is greater, free from any entanglements, and contain a swivel at both ends. At no time may any logging chain, tow chain or similar device be utilized as a tether;
(4) Animals must be tethered by a non-choke type collar or body harness constructed of either nylon or leather and no less than one (1) inch in width, unless the collar is a rolled leather collar;
(5) No dog under six (6) months in age may be tethered;
(6) Multiple animals must be tethered separately and in such a way that they may not become entangled with one another; and
(7) When tethered, an animal’s maximum reach must be no closer than ten (10) feet from any sidewalk or property line.