Help an Animal // Current Legislation on Tethering Dogs

Ordinances That Permit Tethering, Provided Other Conditions for Their Care Are Met

Little Rock, Arkansas
October 7, 2003

Dogs may be tethered to their own cable run, provided that their nonchoke collar is properly fitted and that the tether is at least 10 feet long and not of excessive weight. Tethers must terminate in at least one swivel to minimize tangling and must allow continual access to water, shelter, and maximum exercise space. The tether-and-run system must be configured to prevent the dog from becoming entangled or being injured or strangled.

Section 6-16:

Dogs may be restrained by means of a trolley system, or a tether attached to a pulley on a cable run, if the following conditions are met:

1) Only one dog may be tethered to each cable run
2) The tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog, with enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat through which two fingers may fit. Choke collars and pinch collars are prohibited for purposes of tethering a dog to a cable run.
3) There must be a swivel on at least one end of the tether to minimize tangling of the tether.
4) The tether and cable run must be of adequate size and strength to effectively restrain the dog. The size and weight of the tether must not be excessive, as determined by the Animal Services officer, considering the age, size, and health of the dog.
5) The cable run must be at least ten (10) feet in length and mounted at last four (4) feet and no more than seven (7) feet above ground level.
6) The length of the tether from the cable run to the dog’s collar should allow access to the maximum available exercise area and should allow continuous access to water and shelter. The trolley system must be of appropriate configuration to confine the dog to the owner’s property, to prevent the tether from extending over an object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation of the dog, and to prevent the tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals.

Jonesboro, Arkansas
March 17, 2009

This ordinance allows dogs to be tethered by a trolley system for no more than 12 hours, given that other conditions for the dogs' safety and comfort are met.

Sec. 6.08.05. Dogs to be Confined

D. Trolley Systems

A trolley system is a method to confine a dog by tethering the dog to a cable that is no less than fifteen feet (15ft) in length and elevated seven (7) feet off the ground in a manner that allows the tether to move freely along the length of the cable. Only one animal may be attached to each running cable line or trolley system. Unless otherwise permitted under subsection d, it shall be unlawful for any person to confine a dog through the use of a trolley system as follows in any items 1-6:

1) For more than 12 consecutive hours or more than 18 total hours in any twenty-four hour period.

2.) For a puppy under the age of 3 months to be attached to a running cable line or trolley system for more than one consecutive hour or more than 8 hours in a twenty four hour period.

3.) For dogs that are not spayed or neutered for any period of time. Unaltered dogs must be in a completely fenced yard ( defined within the same parameters as a "pen" to wit: "pen" shall be constructed of wood, metal or wire in such a fashion and manner of construction as to prevent the animal from escaping and to prevent the [animal's] head from protruding through any section or part thereof, or housed indoors.

4.) That is located within 25 feet from any dwelling other than [that belonging to] the person owning or controlling the dog.

5.) Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner’s property or

6.) In a manner that poses harm to the dog, including without limitation:

a.) The use of a collar or harness that is ill fitting or constructed of any material other than leather or nylon;

b.) The use of a tether that exceeds 1/5th of the body weight of the dogs or 10 pounds total weight. Or

c.) The use of trolley system in an area that contains hazards to the dog or deprives the dog of food, water, and shelter.

Hemet, California
June 27, 1978

Sec. 10-39. Prohibited acts.
(10)For any person owning or having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to cause or permit or allow the dog to be staked out in such a manner that the rope or other attachment by which such animal is tethered permits the animal to be or to go beyond the boundaries of the unenclosed private lot or land.

Fremont, California
January 14, 1997

Chained animals must be free from danger of becoming entangled, and must have access to food, water, and shelter.

Sec. 3-5606. Animal restraints.
When a chain, rope or other restraint is used to tether an animal, it shall be so placed or attached that it cannot become entangled with the chain of any other animal or with any other object. It shall be affixed by means of a well-fitted collar, and shall be at least four times the length of the animal as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail and shall allow the animal convenient access to food, water and shelter adequate to protect the animal from the elements.

San Francisco, California
January 11, 2005

Dogs may be tethered provided they have a nonchoke collar and pulley system. The tether must be at least 10 feet in length and allow the dog access to food, water, and shelter but free of obstructions. The ordinance also gives requirements for shelter, water, and adequate exercise.

Sections 41.12 and 41.13
4. Confinement Requirements
Though highly discouraged, tethering is only acceptable if:
The tether is attached to a stake in the ground with a pulley like system.
The tether is attached to the dog by a non-choke type collar or body harness at least 10 feet in length which would allow the dog access to food, water and shelter, but free of obstructions.

Alachua County, Florida
August 31, 1999

This ordinance requires that a tether used to confine an animal weigh less than one-eighth of the animal’s body weight and be at least three times as long as the animal, excluding the tail.

Chapter 72. ANIMALS

Sec. 72.10. Humane treatment for companion animals.

(c) If a companion animal is maintained on a tether, then the owner shall use a tether that weighs less than 1/8 the total weight of the companion animal and that is at least three times the body length of the companion animal from the nose to the end of the body, excluding the tail.

Wilton Manors, Florida
May 8, 2007

This ordinance prohibits the tethering of a dog between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; it allows tethering outside that time period as long as certain humane conditions are met.

CODE OF ORDINANCES – CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA
Chapter 4 – ANIMALS
ARTICLE I: IN GENERAL
Sec. 4-4. Supervision and confinement; tethering.
(a) The following terms, as used in this section, are defined as set out below:
Animal: A multicellular organism of the kingdom Animalia, differing from plants in certain typical characteristics such as capacity for locomotion, nonphotosynthetic metabolism, pronounced response to stimuli, restricted growth, and fixed bodily structure. (b) Any person who owns or any person who is in charge of any dog, cat or animal kept as a pet is prohibited from confining or tethering that dog, cat or animal outdoors during periods of extreme weather or when a hurricane warning has been issued.
(c) Any person who owns or any person who is in charge of any dog, cat or animal kept as a pet who confines that animal outdoors on private property must provide the dog, cat or animal with:
(1) Sufficient and appropriate food and potable water; and
(2) Adequate shelter from cold, heat, sun, and rain; and
(3) Periodic supervision, which shall mean that each animal shall be attended to at least once during every twelve (12) consecutive hours; and
(4) Adequate space for exercise, which shall mean no less than one hundred fifty (150) square feet per animal; and
(5) A fenced yard, an electronic fence, or an enclosure, which has at least one (1) translucent side, that is sufficient to prevent the animal from escaping; or
(6) A tether under the following circumstances:
a. Any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog, cat, or animal that is under the age of six (6) months shall not tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog, cat or animal kept as a pet that is under the age of six (6) months outdoors.
b. Any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any animal that is over the age of six (6) months shall not tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog, cat or animal kept as a pet outdoors between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. except that an animal kept as a pet of any age may be temporarily tethered, tied, or chained outdoors for a total time period not exceeding fifteen (15) minutes. At other times, it is permitted to tie, chain, or otherwise tether an animal kept as a pet that is over the age of six (6) months outdoors if the pet is collared by a properly fitting, non-choke type collar or a body harness that is fastened to either:
i. A tether that is at least three (3) times the body length of the dog, cat, or animal measured from the dog, cat, or animal's nose to back of the hindquarters, and that is free from entanglement; or
ii. An overhead run, which is a leash or chain attached to an overhead wire at least ten (10) feet long, that allows the dog, cat, or animal to move unheeded, when total weight of the collar together with the chain, rope, or tether does not exceed one-sixteenth ( 1/16) the body weight of the animal.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an owner or keeper from controlling a dog, cat or animal kept as a pet by the handheld use of a rope, leash, or chain, when total weight of the collar together with the chain, rope, or tether does not exceed one-sixteenth ( 1/16) the body weight of the animal.
(Ord. No. 907, § 2, 8-12-06)
Secs. 4-5--4-25. Reserved.

Aurora, Illinois
March 28, 2000

This ordinance specifies what the minimum length of the tethering device must be and prohibits devices that can become entangled.

Sec. 9-20 a. No person or owner shall treat any animal cruelly in any manner, including, but not limited to the following: (9) By tethering any animal to a fixed object unless such chains, ropes or leashes are so placed or attached that they cannot become entangled with another animal or object, and shall be of sufficient length in proportion to the size of the animal to allow the animal proper exercise and convenient access to food, water and shelter. Such tethering shall be located so as not to allow such animal to trespass on public property or private property belonging to others, nor in such a manner as to cause harm or danger to persons or other animals.

Noblesville, Indiana
December 28, 2004

This ordinance allows dogs to be tethered as long as tethers are at least 10 feet long, terminate in swivels at both ends, attach to a proper collar or harness, and are connected to a running line at least 10 feet long and less than 7 feet above the ground. Dogs tethered in any other manner may not be tethered more than eight total hours in any 24 hour period.

Chapter 90.03 Hitching or Tying: No animal shall be hitched, tied or fastened by any rope, chain or cord that is directly attached to the animal’s neck. Animals that must be tied, hitched or fastened to restrain them must wear a properly fitted collar or harness made of leather or nylon not of the choker type. This is not to prohibit the proper use of choke collars in the training of animals. A person may not restrain an animal by a fixed point chain or tether less than 10 feet for more than eight hours in a 24 hour period unless the chain or tether is at least 10 feet long, has swivels at each end and is attached to a pulley or trolley mounted cable at least 10 feet in length and mounted no more than seven feet above ground level. Any outside caged or penned animal or dog shall be kept in a cage or pen no less than 10x10x4 feet in size, equaling a 100 square foot roaming area. Violations shall be considered a Class A infraction.

Terre Haute, Indiana
November 25, 2001

This ordinance allows tethering, provided that tethers not permit strangulation and be attached to a proper collar or with a swivel to a harness. Tethers must be at least five times the dog’s length and allow access to shelter and freedom of movement.

Section 6-84 h. (7): An animal shall be considered cruelly treated that is hitched, tied, or fastened by any rope, chain, or cord (or similar device) around its neck, or any rope, chain or cord attached to a choker collar permitting possible strangulation. An animal that is secured or tied should wear a properly fitted collar or harness with a swivel to prevent strangulation. The device securing the animal (chain, etc.) should be at least five (5) times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, allowing access to shelter and freedom of movement.

Bowling Green, Kentucky
March 7, 2006

This ordinance prohibits the fixed-point tethering of a dog for more than one hour in any 24-hour period. No tether may weigh more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight, be less than 10 feet long, or attach to anything other than a properly fitting collar or harness. Dogs may be tethered to a pulley or trolley system provided that it is at least 10 feet long and no more than 7 feet above the ground.

1. Chapter 5 (Animals) of the Code of Ordinances is hereby amended as follows:

5-1 ANIMAL CONTROL.

5-1.01 Definitions.

As used in this Chapter:

“Confinement” shall mean:

b. Puppies and dogs:

1. It is prohibited to exclusively restrain a dog or puppy by a fixed-point chain or tether. A fixed-point restraint may be used temporarily, but not to exceed one (1) hour in a twenty-four (24) hour period.

2. A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least ten (10) feet in length and attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least ten (10) feet in length and mounted no more than seven (7) feet above ground level.

3. Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner's property.

4. No chain or tether shall weigh more than 1/8 of the dog or puppy's body weight.

5. Any chain or tether shall be at least ten (10) feet in length and have swivels on both ends.

6. Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the animal.

Louisville, Kentucky

Dogs may be tethered to a cable run, provided that the tether is at least 10 feet long, weighs no more than one-eighth the dog’s weight, and has swivels on both ends. The tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness.

Restraint

(2) For puppies and dogs restraint shall mean on the premises of the owner and confined in a secure enclosure as previously defined, or accompanied by the owner on the owner's property and under their direct control. If off the premises of the owner, the animal must be restrained by a lead or leash and under the control of a responsible person.

(b) A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least ten (10) feet in length and attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least ten (10) feet in length and mounted no more than seven (7) feet above ground level.

(c) Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owners property.

(d) No chain or tether shall weigh more than 1/8 of the dog or puppy’s body weight.

(e) Any chain or tether shall be at least ten (10) feet in length and have swivels on both ends.

(f) Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the animal.

Dennis Township, New Jersey
August 17, 2004

This ordinance requires that tethers be at least 15 feet long, be lightweight, remain tangle free, and attach to proper collars or harnesses. Tethers must allow dogs' free movement and access to a doghouse.

Section 88-13. Chaining or Tethering of Dogs.

Dogs must be able to move freely when chained or tethered. The size of the tether or chain must be a minimum of 15 linear feet and shall remain tangle free. Dogs must be equipped with properly fitted harness or buckle type collars. The tether or chain shall be constructed of lightweight cable. A doghouse shall be accessible to dogs that are chained or tethered.

Catawba County, North Carolina

(D) Chaining or tethering an animal to a stationary object for a period of time or under conditions that an animal control officer or animal cruelty investigator deems harmful or potentially harmful to the animal. Examples of improper chaining or tethering include, but are not limited to the following:
(1) Using a length or weight of a chain or tether that is not appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. Guidelines for the proper weight and length of chains or tethers can be obtained from the animal shelter or animal control
(2) Using a chain or tether made of rope, twine, cord or similar material.
(3) Using a chain or tether that is less than 10 feet in length and/or does not have swivels on both ends. All chains or tethers must be attached to the animal by means of a properly fitting harness or collar of not less than one inch in width.
(4) Chaining or tethering an animal to a stationary object for a period of time or under conditions that an animal control officer or animal cruelty investigator deems harmful or potentially harmful to the animal. Examples of improper chaining or tethering include, but are not limited to the following:

(a) Using a length or weight of a chain or tether that is not appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. Guidelines for the proper weight and length of chains or tethers can be obtained from the animal shelter or animal control
(b) Using a chain or tether made of rope, twine, cord or similar material.
(c) Using a chain or tether that is less than 10 feet in length and/or does not have swivels on both ends. All chains or tethers must be attached to the animal by means of a properly fitting harness or collar of not less than one inch in width.
(d) Using a chain or tether that exceeds ten percent of the animal's body weight.
(e) Allowing an animal to be chained or tethered such that the animal is not confined to the owner's property or such that the chain or tether can become entangled and prevent the animal from moving about freely, lying down comfortable or having access to adequate food, water and shelter.
(f) Using a chain as a primary collar. All collars used for the purpose of chaining or tethering an animal must be made of nylon or leather.
(5) Allowing an animal to be chained or tethered such that the animal is not confined to the owner’s property or such that the chain or tether can become entangled and prevent the animal from moving about freely, lying down comfortable or having access to adequate food, water and shelter.
(6) Using a chain as a primary collar. All collars used for the purpose of chaining or tethering an animal must be made of nylon or leather.

Holly Springs, North Carolina
May 16, 2006

This ordinance prohibits the tethering of animals for a period of time or under conditions that are deemed harmful to the animals. Tethers must be at least 10 feet long and weigh 10 percent of the animal’s body weight or less. Tethers must allow animals to move freely and allow them access to food, water, and shelter.

Sec. 12-65. Cruelty to animals.

(c) Prohibited acts. All animals shall be kept and treated under sanitary and humane conditions and it shall be unlawful for any person to engage in one or more of the following acts:

8. Allowing a collar, rope or chain to become embedded in or cause injury to an animal’s neck, or allowing a choke or pinch collar to be used as a primary collar on an unsupervised animal, or chaining or tethering an animal to a stationary object for a period of time or under conditions that an animal control officer deems harmful or potentially harmful to the animal. Examples of harmful or potentially harmful chaining or tethering include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Using a length or weight of a chain or tether that is not appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. A chain or tether should not be less than ten feet long. Using a chain or tether that exceeds ten percent of the animal’s body weight shall be deemed not appropriate and potentially harmful.

b. Allowing an animal to be chained or tethered such that the animal is not confined to the owner’s property or such that the chain or tether can become entangled and prevent the animal from moving about freely, lying down comfortably or having access to adequate food, water and shelter.

c. Tethering an animal on an appendage.

Greenville, North Carolina

This ordinance outlines what kind of tether may be used.

c. 4-5. Animal care generally.
(c)Any chain, leash, or similar device for animal restraint shall be designed and placed to prevent choking or injury to the animal. The restraining device shall be at least ten feet in length and placed on a swivel or on a chain run.

Bernalillo County, New Mexico
April 6, 1999

The tethering device must be in working condition.

(10)Restraint of animals shall be accomplished by adequate fencing maintained at all times to contain the animals, or by the use of tethers or chains that are tangle-free, well-fitted, and equipped with a swivel device for attachment to the animal’s collar or harness.

Raytown, Missouri
December 8, 1992

Tethered animals must be free from danger of becoming entangled, and must have access to food, water, and shelter.

Sec. 4-17. Cruelty to animals and fowl.
(h)No persons shall tether, confine or restrain any animal in such a way as to permit said animal to become frequently entangled in such tether, or to render said animal incapable of consuming food or water provided for it or prevent said animal from moving to adequate shelter.

Lincoln, Nebraska
August 22, 1988

Chaining that cause pain or injury or inhibits access to food, water, and shelter is prohibited.

The Lincoln ordinance prohibits chaining methods that cause an animal injury or pain or prevent it from reaching food, water, and shelter.
6.04.330 Tethered Animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, chain, or fasten any animal in such a manner as to permit it to be upon any public sidewalk or street or to leave it unattended while tethered, chained, or fastened on public property. It shall be unlawful to tether, chain, or fasten an animal in such a manner as to cause it injury or pain or not permit it to reach shelter, food, and water.

Ouichita, Louisiana
April 22, 1988

Tethered animals must have access to food, water and shelter.

Sec. 3-46. Crimes; misdemeanors.
(4) Cruelty to animals. The following acts and omissions constitute cruel treatment to animals; therefore, it shall be a misdemeanor for any person, firm or corporation to:
d. Tether, confine, or restrain any animal in such a way as to permit said animal to become entangled in such tether, or render said animal incapable of consuming food and water for more than twenty-four (24) hours; or from obtaining shelter from the elements.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana
May 26, 1993

This ordinance specifies where an animal can be tethered and how long the tethering device must be.

Sec. 14:203. Minimum requirements for dog and cat pens and yards.
(6)Tethers used to restrict the animal to the confines of its owner's property shall be minimum length of five (5) times the length of the animal, as measured from the nostrils to the base of the tail. Tethers shall restrict the animal to its owner's property. The area shall be kept free of obstructions to prevent entanglement. No tethered animal shall be allowed to endanger the health, safety or welfare of others.

St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
June 3, 1996

This ordinance specifies a minimum length for the tethering device, prohibits tethers that may entangle an animal, and prohibits tethering where an animal may pose a threat to public safety.

Sec. 4-13. Dogs on tethers.
If a dog is confined on a tether, the tether shall be equipped with swivel ends and be positioned to prevent tangling and/or hanging. The tethered dog shall wear a properly fitted harness or buckle-type collar. A properly installed and positioned running line is preferable to a stationary tether. The line must be at least five times the length of the dog. The dog cannot be tethered in an area which would pose a threat to public safety and health.

Montgomery County, Maryland

Amendment to the existing State and County laws against cruelty to animals to include certain practices involving the unattended restraint of a dog.

Article II, Chapter 5, Sec. 5-201
I. Definitions. (C) “Tether” means attaching a dog to a stationary object or pulley run by means of a chain, rope, tether, cable, or similar restraint. “Tether” does not include the use of a leash to walk a dog.

II. Prohibited Conduct. A person must not tether a dog under circumstances that endanger its health, safety, or well being, including: (A) tethering a dog by any means other than a harness; (B) tethering a dog between the hours of midnight and five a.m. unless the Director grants a waiver based on extraordinary circumstances after determining that the proposed tethering will be safe and humane; (C) unattended tethering of a dog during a weather emergency, or a dog-control emergency declared by the Executive, the Director, or the County Health Officer; (D) using a tether that weighs more than 1/8 of the dog’s bodyweight; (E) using a tether that is less than five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail; (F) tethering that unreasonably limits a dog’s movement; (G) tethering under conditions where the dog or tether can become entangled on the tether or some other object; (H) tethering that restricts a dog’s access to suitable and sufficient food, clean water, and appropriate shelter; (I) tethering in unsafe or unsanitary conditions; (J) tethering that does not allow a dog to defecate or urinate in an area separate from the area where it must eat, drink, or lie down; or (K) tethering that causes injury, stress, or demonstrable socialization problems.

III. Failure to provide relief to a dog in distress when exposed to any of the conditions listed in subsection II is proof that the dog was improperly, i.e., cruelly, tethered.

Rockville, Maryland
June 24, 1991

This ordinance recommends against chaining, but specifies that chains must be at least ten feet long, and that the animal must be chained in his or her yard.

Sec. 3-26. Cruelty to animals.
(5)The continuous maintenance of a dog on a chain or tether is not recommended. Such confinement, however, if used requires a chain or tether of at least ten (10) feet in length, positioned so that at its greatest length prevents the dog from becoming entangled with any obstruction, from partially or totally jumping any fence, or leaving any part of its owner's property.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Effective: July 16, 1992

This ordinance permits tethering but with certain requirements to be met.

§ 633.10 SHELTERS.
(a)   Dogs and cats shall be provided access to shelter which protects them against inclement weather, keep them dry and allows them to preserve a normal body temperature.
(b)   If dog houses with chains are used as shelters for dogs kept outside, the chains used shall contain a swivel or be attached to a swivel and shall be placed and attached so that they cannot become entangled with the chains of other dogs or another object. The chains shall be a type commonly used for the size and type of dog involved and shall be attached to the dog by means of a well-fitted buckle-type collar. The chains shall be at least three (3) times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of itsnose to the base of its tail, but no less than ten (10) feet in length and shall allow the dog convenient access to the dog house.
(c)   No animal may be housed on a temporary or permanent basis in any shelter constructed of uninsulated metal.
(Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-92)

Nashville-Davidson County, Tennessee
November 22, 2006

This ordinance prohibits any tethering of animals that unreasonably restricts an animal’s ability to move and also establishes conditions that permitted tethering must meet.

Chapter 8.12.030(C)

No person shall allow any animal to remain confined in such a manner as to unreasonably restrict the animal’s ability to move. No person shall allow any dog to remain confined by way of rope, chain, or cord unless:
1. The rope, chain, or cord confining the animal is not unreasonably heavy in proportion to the weight of the animal;
2. A swivel is located at both ends of the rope, chain, or cord (the end attached to stationary object and the end attached to the animal); and
3. The collar on the animal is properly fitted and is a collar that is commonly recognized as a pet collar (choke and pinch collars are not permitted).

Oak Ridge, Tennessee
August 26, 2002

(c) A dog may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least ten feet in length, with swivels on both ends, and is properly attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least ten feet in length and mounted at least four feet and no more than seven feet above ground level in a manner so as not to interfere or become entangled with objects on the property.
(d) Any tethering system employed shall not allow the dog or puppy to leave the owner’s property.
(e) No chain or tether shall weigh more than one-eighth of the dog or puppy’s body weight.
(f) Any chain or tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog or puppy.

Lubbock, Texas
March 8, 2006

This ordinance prohibits the use of tethers that are less than 10 feet long, that are not equipped with swivel ends, and that do not allow the animal to reach shelter, food, and water. Tethers must not weigh more than one-fifth of the animal’s body weight and must attach to a properly fitted collar or harness rather than to a choke-type collar.
Section 4-7. 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 City Enforcement Agent. 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 and/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 pet 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 pet animal with a tether that is less than ten (10) feet in length;
(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; or
(12) To use a tether that weighs more than one fifth (1/5) of the animal?s body weight.

Richland Hills, Texas

Animals tethered on private property may not be restrained in a manner that restricts their access to shade, water, or shelter.

Sec. 6-80. Tethering animals.
(b) Any tethered animal in a restricted access enclosure shall have continuous access to shade and water, and have unrestricted access to a wind and moisture proof shelter.
(c) Any tethered animal shall be arranged so that the tethering device cannot become tangled around trees, poles or other obstacles and prevent the access to shade, water and shelter.

Norfolk, Virginia
August 31, 1999

Chap. 6-1. When an animal is tethered, "adequate space" means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age, size, and health of the animal; is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from gaining access to public thoroughfares, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least five (5) feet in length or three (3) times the length of the animal whichever is longer, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to professionally accepted standards for the species is considered provision of adequate space. Provided, however, that no animal shall be tethered for more than twelve (12) hours in a twenty-four-hour period.

Richmond, Virginia
Introduced: September 24, 2007
Public hearing by Richmond City Council: October 22, 2007

This ordinance prohibits tethering a dog for more than one hour in a 24-hour period.

Section 10-92 of the Code of the City of Richmond (2004) is hereby amended and reordained as follows:

1 (d) (2): It shall be unlawful for any person to tether a dog for more than one hour cumulatively with[in] any twenty-four-hour period, whether or not the dog has been provided adequate space.