Tethering/Chaining
San Marcos, Texas
Sec. 6.011. – Tethering dogs and other animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog or other animal to a stationary object for a period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by the animal control officer. The terms “unhealthy situation” and “potentially dangerous situation” shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(1) To tether any animal in such a manner as to permit the animal access upon any public right-of-way;
(2) To tether any animal in such a manner as to cause the animal injury or pain or not to permit the animal to reach shelter, food or water or otherwise create an unsafe or unhealthy situation;
(3) To tether any animal in such as manner as to permit the animal to leave the owner’s property;
(4) To tether any animal in an area that is not properly fenced so as to prevent any person or child from entering; the area occupied by said animal;
(5) To tether any animal in a manner whereby the animal is subject to harassment, stings or bites from outdoor insects, or attacks by other animals;
(6) To tether any animal with a tether that is shorter than the greater of ten feet or five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the dog’s tail;
(7) To tether any animal with a tether that is not equipped with swivel ends;
(8) To tether any animal in such a manner that does not prevent the animal from becoming entangled with any obstruction, from partially or totally jumping any fence, or from leaving part of its owner’s property;
(9) To fail to remove waste from the tethered area on a daily basis;
(10) To tether any animal without using a properly fitted collar or harness;
(11) To use choke-type collars to tether any animal;
(12) To use a tether that weighs more than one-fifth of the animal’s body weight; or
(13) To allow an animal to remain tethered during a severe weather event. A severe weather event includes conditions in which: (a) the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; (b) a heat advisory has been issued by local or state authority or jurisdiction; or (c) a hurricane, tropical storm or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service.