Fort Worth, Texas

§ 6-13 RESTRAINT OF ANIMALS.

(d)   It shall be unlawful for a person to use a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system.

(e)   It is an affirmative defense to a violation of subsection (d) above that the dog tethering:

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

(2)   Is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, and the dog’s owner maintains immediate control of the dog; or

(3)   Occurs in the immediate control of the owner in a city park as provided by § 24-10; or

      (4)   Occurs on the owner’s premises and:

            a.   While the dog is within the owner’s immediate control; and

            b.   Prevents the dog from advancing to within 15 feet of the edge of any public street.

(f)   The affirmative defenses provided in subsection (e) above are only available if the following specifications are met:

(1)   The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness worn by the dog;

      (2)   The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device is not placed directly around the dog’s neck;

(3)   The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device does not exceed one-twentieth of the dog’s body weight;

(4)   The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable or other device, by design and placement allows the dog a reasonable and unobstructed range of motion without entanglement; and

      (5)   The dog has access to adequate shelter and clean and wholesome water.