September 3, 2019
No dog shall be tethered unless specific requirements are met. Dogs may be tethered by a running line or trolley system.
Sec. 55.19 Restraint Requirements
(A) When a tether is utilized as a means of restraint, a responsible adult must be physically outdoors with their dog, and the dog must be under the owner’s direct control. The tether must be at least ten feet in length, have swivels on both ends, and allow the dog to utilize the entire 360 degree circular area designated by the tether. The tether must allow the dog free access to food, water and shelter. Any tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog and shall weigh no more than 10% of the dogs estimated body weight.
(B) Owners may use trolley systems, fences, and kennels for passive restraint of dogs.
(C) The primary usable trolley runner line must be suspended at least three feet above the dog’s head, with at least ten feet in length between two pulley stop points. The secondary line attached to dog shall have a rolling trolley freely moveable a distance of at least ten feet on the primary trolley line with a spring/shock absorber attachment and swivels at both ends. The trolley system shall allow the dog unrestricted body movement and utilization of the entire area designated by the system, with a minimum of five feet lateral movement for the dog on each side of the primary trolley line, as measured on the ground. The trolley system must allow the dog free access to food, water, and shelter. The trolley system must be of appropriate configuration to prevent escape of the dog, and confine the dog to the owner’s property. The primary trolley line shall be used to restrain only one dog at a time.
(D) All collars used must be made of nylon, leather, or other durable and non-metallic material and must be fitted so as to not cause injury to the animal or embed itself in the dog’s neck.
(E) Use of a chain, choke, or pinch collar for passive restraint is prohibited.
(F) Any dog that is restrained must be a sufficient distance from any other objects or debris so as to prohibit any tangling of the restraint or from extension over an object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation of the dog.
(G) No animal shall be permitted to be on private property unless it is with the express permission of the property owner.
(H) An unspayed female dog must be confined within a building or secure fence or kennel to prevent potential contact with stray dogs.
(I) The area of every fence or kennel must measure at least 6 feet by 10 feet.
