January 1, 2016
This ordinance provides regulations on tethering, including a minimum allowable tether length.
Chapter 2: Dogs and Cats
Section 3-205. Prohibited acts.
(3) Restraint.
Chaining. Direct point chaining, or tethering of dogs to a stationary object, is prohibited. Dogs may be restrained by means of a trolley system, or a tether attached to a pulley on a cable run, if the following conditions are met:
- Only one dog may be tethered to each cable run.
- The tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog, with enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat through which two fingers may fit. Choke collars and pinch collars are prohibited for purposes of tethering a dog to a cable run.
- There must be a swivel on both ends of the tether to minimize tangling of the tether.
- The tether and cable run must be of adequate size and strength to effectively restrain the dog. The size and weight of the tether must not be excessive as determined by the Animal Control Officer, considering the age, size, and health of the dog.
- The cable run must be at least (10) ten feet in length and mounted at least five (5) feet and no more than seven (7) feet above ground level.
- Must be located no closer than 10 feet from the owner’s property line.
- The length of the tether from the cable run to the dog’s collar should allow access to the maximum allowable exercise area and should allow continuous access to water and shelter. The trolley system must be of appropriate configuration to confine the dog to the owner’s property, to prevent the tether from extending over and object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation of the dog, and to prevent the tether from becoming tangled with other objects or animals.
- No dog may be restrained on the side of your property that faces a public street.
Above is effective January 1, 2016
No person shall, at any time, fasten, chain or tie any dog or cause such dog to be fastened, chained or tied while such dog is on the owner’s property or on the property of the dog owner’s landlord. (Exception – A dog may be tethered to allow for the cleaning of the dog’s enclosure or while the owner is outside with the dog and is in visual contact of the animal at all times to prevent injury to the dog.)
Any dogs confined within a fenced yard must have adequate space for exercise based on a dimension of at least one hundred (100) square feet. Provided further that where dogs are kept or housed on property without a fenced yard, the owner of such dogs or persons having custody of such dogs shall provide an enclosure for such dogs meeting the one hundred (100) square feet dimension. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of such enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements. An additional fifty (50) square feet of space is required for each additional dog within the same enclosed area.
Above is effective January 1, 2017
