§ 5-19. Unlawful restraint of animals.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    The owner of an animal may restrain an animal on a tether for a reasonable period, not to exceed three hours in a twenty-four-hour period, and no longer than is necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the animal to be restrained.

    (b)

    Tethering is prohibited:

    (1)

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

    (2)

    Within five hundred (500) feet of the premises of a school or school bus stop;

    (3)

    If the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit;

    (4)

    If a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction;

    (5)

    If a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National Weather Service;

    (6)

    If the tether is:

    a.

    Less than five (5) times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the dog's nose to the base of the dog's tail; or

    b.

    Less than ten (10) feet; whichever is greater.

    (7)

    If the tether and/or related attachments are greater than twenty (20) per cent of the animal's weight;

    (8)

    If the tether is attached by means of a pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type collar or if the collar is unsafe or is not properly fitted;

    (9)

    If the tether inhibits the animal's free movement or causes injury or entanglement;

    (10)

    If the animal is under four (4) months of age;

    (11)

    If the animal does not have access to shade, dry shelter, and a tip-proof water supply;

    (12)

    If the length of the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public easement.

(Ord. No. 9729-2014, § 1, 6-17-14)