New Braunfels, Texas

Sec. 6-76. – Animal care.

(j) Tethering animals.

(1) A person commits an offense if they tether an animal to a stationary object for any length of time except, as allowed by this subsection.

(2) A “skyline” type aerial trolley consisting of a line that is strung between two fixed points that are at least 20 feet apart with a down line that is at least five feet in length is allowed as long as the following are met.

a. The skyline is attached to a properly fitting collar or harness. Choke or prong-type collars are prohibited; and

b. The skyline does not allow the animal to move outside the person’s property or come within eight feet of public property if tethered outside a fenced area.

c. The area must be free and clear of debris or obstructions within ten feet of the restrained animal.

d. The area must have adequate shade and shelter for the animal.

e. The area must have adequate food and water for the animal

(3) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of any restraint, tether or skyline/trolley system:

a. Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

b. Within 500 feet of the premises of a school;

c. In the case of extreme weather conditions, including conditions in which:

1. The actual or effective (wind chill) outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit;

2. A heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction; or

3. A hurricane, tropical storm, flash flood, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.

(4) A defense to the prosecution is if an animal is being restrained by the designated custodian in the absence of the owner by use of a tether for veterinary treatment, grooming, training, law enforcement activity, or any other animal related service agreed upon with the owner.