Lufkin, Texas

§ 2.01.014 Unlawful tethering of dogs.

(a) An owner of a dog commits an offense if the owner retrains a dog by a tethering device.

(b) It is a defense to prosecution under subsection (a) that:

(1) The dog was restrained by a tethering device while in the owner’s immediate possession and accompanied by the dog’s owner; and

(2) The owner was in compliance with the requirements of subsection (c).

(c) An owner of a dog may only tether a dog if the dog is in the owner’s immediate possession and accompanied by the owner, as required by subsection (b). In addition, the owner of the tethered dog shall:

(1) Not allow the dog to be tethered in any manner or by any method that allows the dog to become injured;

(2) Use a properly fitted harness or collar that is specifically designed for the dog; and

(3) Attach a tethering device to the dog’s harness or collar and not directly to the dog’s neck.

(d) Nothing in this section prohibits a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.