Tethering/Chaining

Johnson City, Tennessee

November 21, 2019

Effective January 1, 2020, dogs may not be tethered for longer than 12 consecutive hours. Beginning January 1, 2021, dogs may not be tethered unattended.

10-103. Restraint.

(4) Restraints while on owner’s property. Beginning January 1, 2020, a dog or puppy may be placed on a trolley/pulley system in his/her own yard for a period of time that does not exceed twelve (12) consecutive hours per day. The dog may not be tethered for the twelve (12) hour period to a fixed post unless attended or under observation. The trolley must be at least four ( 4) feet off the ground and no more than seven (7) feet off the ground, and at least ten (10) feet from support to support. Tethers must have swivel connectors on both ends and allow for freedom of movement. All chains/tethers must be attached to a properly fitting buckle collar or snap collar, or to a harness, (choke or pinch collars are prohibited). Chains/tethers must be less than 10% of the dog’s weight. Any tethering system shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner’s property. The animal must have appropriate housing per Section 10-105, access to food and water and must be safe from attack by other animals. Only one dog per trolley is allowed.

Beginning January I, 202I, no dog may be tethered or chained and left unattended. A dog or puppy may only be tethered or chained to a fixed object if the animal is under the observation of its owner. No puppy under the age of six-months shall be placed on a trolley/pulley system or tethered. Owners also have the option of providing a fence or pen for dogs that allows at least 10′ by 10′ of space per dog as detailed in Section 10-105 (2).

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

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