Kemp, Texas

Sec. 6-17. – Tethering of dogs prohibited.

(a) No dog shall be tethered outdoors unless the keeper or owner of the dog is holding the tether.

(b) It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (a), above, that the tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, if the keeper or owner of the dog remains with the dog throughout the period of tethering.

(c) The provisions of subsection (a), above, shall not apply to a temporary tether:

(1) During a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity;

(2) To a keeper or owner walking a dog with a hand-held leash;

(3) During lawful hunting activities if reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog;

(4) While a dog is actively engaged in shepherding or herding livestock;

(5) When meeting the requirements of a camping or recreation facility;

(6) When the dog’s caretaker is outside and within eyesight of the dog;

(7) When the dog is being transported in a vehicle;

(8) When the dog is being cared for as part of a rescue operating during a natural or manmade disaster; or

(9) After taking possession of a dog that appears to be a stray dog and after having advised the city of the stray.

(d) The provisions of subsections (b) and (c), above, shall apply only if:

(1) The tether is not placed directly around the dog’s neck and is attached to a properly fitting collar or harness of nylon or leather worn by the dog;

(2) The weight of the tether does not exceed more than one-tenth of the dog’s body weight;

(3) The tether is unlikely to become tangled or twisted;

(4) The tether is arranged to be free of any obstacles which may limit the moveable length of the tether; and

(5) The dog is tethered in a manner that permits access to necessary shelter and water.