Anti-Chaining Laws

Educational Powerpoint
Ordinance PowerPoint
Q & A Word
Q & A PDF
Photos of Injured Children and Chained Dogs PDF (two pages)

The above documents will help when educating citizens and lawmakers.

Visit our News page to read about recent laws that have been enacted and efforts to pass laws in various states / communities.

www.animallaw.info is another good source of information.

The following communities have banned or regulated chaining in their animal protection ordinances:

Statewide Laws

California
2006

Health and Safety Code, Division 105, Part 6
Chapter 8. Dog Tethering
(b) No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object.

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person may do any of the following in accordance with Section 597t of the Penal Code:
(1) Attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system. A dog shall not be tethered to the running line, pulley, or trolley system by means of a choke collar or pinch collar.
(2) Tether, fasten, chain, tie, or otherwise restrain a dog pursuant to the requirements of a camping or recreational area.
(3) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period.
(4) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by the State of California if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit a person from restraining a dog while participating in activities or using accommodations that are reasonably associated with the licensed activity.
(5) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while actively engaged in any of the following:
(A) Conduct that is directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock.
(B) Conduct that is directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraint is         reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.

(d) A person who violates this chapter is guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor.
(1) An infraction under this chapter is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250) as to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs.
(2) A misdemeanor under this chapter is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) as to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs, or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or both.
(3) Notwithstanding subdivision (d), animal control may issue a correction warning to a person who violates this chapter, requiring the owner to correct the violation, in lieu of an infraction or misdemeanor, unless the violation endangers the health or safety of the animal, the animal has been wounded as a result of the violation, or a correction warning has previously been issued to the individual.

(e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.

Connecticut

Chapter 435. Dogs and Other Companion Animals. Kennels and Pet Shops

Sec. 22-350a. Tethering and confining of dog for unreasonable period of time. Fine.

Any person who confines or tethers a dog for an unreasonable period of time shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars for the first offense, not less than one hundred dollars or more than two hundred fifty dollars for a second offense, and not less than two hundred fifty dollars or more than five hundred dollars for any subsequent offense.

Texas (read complete law)

Sec.A821.077.UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG.
(a) An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement: between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;within 500 feet of the premises of a school; or in the case of extreme weather conditions,including conditions in which: the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit; a heat advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or jurisdiction; or a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued for the jurisdiction by the National
Weather Service.

In this section, a restraint unreasonably limits a dog ’s movement if the restraint:uses a collar that is pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type or that is not properly fitted to the dog;is a length shorter than the greater of:
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; or 10 feet;is in an unsafe condition; or causes injury to the dog.

Virginia

Title 3.1

"Adequate space" ... When an animal is tethered, "adequate space" means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age and size 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 extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least three times the length of the animal, 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.

Section 796.68. Care of animals by owner; penalty.
A. Each owner shall provide for each of his companion animals:
4. Adequate space in the primary enclosure for the particular type of animal depending upon its age, size, species, and weight;

West Virginia

Chapter 61-8-19. Cruelty to animals; penalties; exclusions.

(a) If any person … cruelly chains any animal …, he or she is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than three hundred nor more than two thousand dollars or confined in jail not more than six months, or both.

Communities that Prohibit Chaining

Fayetteville, Arkansas
April, 2007 - See news story

Direct point chaining is prohibited. Dogs may be restrained by means of a trolley system if the owner is present.

Maumelle, Arkansas
The ordinance, which is regarded as the first of its kind, prohibits tethering dogs to stationary objects, such as dog houses. In addition, it requires that dogs be provided with approved housing:

Confinement of Animals: From and after the passage of this Ordinance any person owning animals whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, licensed or unlicensed, shall confine such animal within an adequate fence or enclosure, or within a house, garage or other building in conformance with Maumelle Bill of Assurance or its successor. Animals shall not be tied or chained to dog houses, or other stationary objects, but must be in an approved enclosure. Sterilized cats are exempt from confinement.

The ordinance also mandates that dog enclosures must provide at least one hundred and fifty square feet of space for dogs over six months of age.

Tucson, Arizona
Tucson’s ordinance does not apply solely to dogs. A person has thirty days once they are found chaining an animal to provide other means of confinement, as long as other conditions of confinement and care are being met.

Tucson Code Sec. 4-3(2) Tieouts (tethering) are prohibited. However, if an animal is found on a tieout, the owner of the animal may be permitted to keep the animal on the tieout for less than, but in no case more than, thirty (30) days from the discovery of the tieout. In determining whether to grant this permission, the enforcement agent may take into consideration the owner’s past record with the subject animal and with other animals. In addition, this permission may be granted only on condition that the owner and the tieout, when found, are in compliance with all the applicable laws relating to animals, including the tieout provisions of former subsection (e)(2) which were as follows:

On a tieout, consisting of a chain, leash, wire cable or similar restraint attached to a swivel or pulley. A tieout shall be so located as to keep the animal exclusively on the secured premises. Tieouts shall be so located that they cannot become entangled with other objects. Collars used to attach an animal to a tieout shall not be of a choke type. No tieout shall employ a restraint which is less than ten (10) feet in length.

Further, the grace period is null and void immediately if the owner and the Tieout are not, at any time during the grace period, in compliance with the afore-mentioned tieout provisions and all the other applicable laws relating to animals.

Non-compliance with any of the foregoing provisions in this subsection (e)(2) may result in the impoundment of the animal at any time. [Additional language requires a hearing]
(3) Temporary tethering for horses is exempt from the provisions of subsection (e)(2) above.

Sec. 4.97(2)
It shall be unlawful for any dog owned, possessed, kept, or harbored or maintained to be at large upon or about the private property of any person, including that of the owner of such dog. Confinement shall be accomplished by means of a fence or similar enclosure of sufficient strength and height to prevent the dog from escaping therefrom, or inside a house or other building, to keep the dog exclusively on the premises where secured. Tieouts are prohibited.
(3)Temporary tethering for horses is exempt from the provisions of Tucson Code, subsection 4-3(2)(e)(2).
Sec. 4-3(4). Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Miami, Florida - April 2008
Tethering is prohibited unless the owner is outside with the dog and other requirements are met.

The Preamble to Miami’s new ordinance notes: “improper tethering and care of dogs is atrocious and made worse by the extreme heat in South Florida” and “improper tethering of dogs is problematic, injurious and can be life threatening to dogs.”

(a) As used in this section, tether means to restrain a dog by tying the dog to any object or structure, including without limitation a house, tree, fence,  post, garage, or shed, by any means, including without limitation a chain,
rope, cord, leash, or running line. Tethering shall not include using a leash to walk a dog.
(b) It shall be unlawful for a responsible party to tether the dog while outdoors, except when all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The dog is in visual range of the responsible party, and the responsible party is located outside with the dog.
(2) The tether is connected to the dog by a buckle-type collar or a body harness made of nylon or leather, not less than one inch in width.
(3) The tether has the following properties: it is at least five times the length of the dog's body, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail; it terminates at both ends with a swivel; it does not weigh more than
1/8 of the dog's weight; and it is free of tangles.
(4) The dog is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
(5) The dog is not outside during a period of extreme weather, including without limitation extreme heat or near-freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical storms, or hurricanes.
(6) The dog has access to water, shelter, and dry ground.
(7) The dog is at least six (6) months of age. Puppies shall not be tethered.
(8) The dog is not sick or injured.
(9) Pulley, running line, or trolley systems are at least 15 feet in length and are less than 7 feet above the ground.
(10) If there are multiple dogs, each dog is tethered separately.

Okaloosa, Florida (population 100,000)
Tethering dogs and cats is prohibited.

Sec. 5-28. Restraint and confinement to property. (d) Dogs or cats shall not be chained, tied, fastened or otherwise tethered to dog houses, trees, fences or other stationary objects as a means of confinement to property.

Blakely, Georgia - March 2008
Tethering dogs and cats is prohibited.

www.earlycountynews.com

Chaining or tying dogs is no longer an option for city residents. The Blakely City Council voted at its March 4, 2008 meeting to adopt a change in the city's animal control ordinance that prohibits tethering dogs and requires owners to provide a pen or fenced yard instead.

In addition, the ordinance requires that owners prevent their animals from becoming nuisances to others and that when not secured in a pen or fenced yard, dogs must be on a leash held by an able-bodied person.

Chatham County, Georgia

August 12, 2005
This ordinance prohibits the tethering of dogs and cats to any object, stationary or otherwise, in unincorporated areas of the county.

§ 22-139 Tethering.
It shall be prohibited in unincorporated Chatham County to retain or confine to property of dogs or cats in a manner achieved by stationary or non-stationary dog houses, barrels or other stationary object as such means of confinement within the property.

22-137 Animal Neglect
A person that is the owner or custodian of any animal may be found to be guilty of animal neglect by a finding that any one or more of the following conditions were allowed to exist:

a) Lack of immediately available proper drinking water or inadequate supply of drinkable water
b) Lack of wholesome, palatable, free from contamination food or sustenance to be provided in sufficient quantity
c) failure to provide an animal sufficient space to stand to full height, turn around, lay dog and make normal postural adjustments for comfort
d) the lack of providing a stationary shelter from weather such as sun, rain, wind, or inclement weather or to maintain said shelter in a clean, sanitary condition free of excrement and unreasonable objectionable odors.
e) to have an animal in possession that is known to or suspected to have an injury, accidental or deliberate, or to exhibit any signs of disease, shock, temperature fluctuations, tremors, swelling, open wounds, inability to eat, blistering or abnormal bleeding, partial paralysis, discharging blood or mucus. failure to arrange for medical care.

Cobb County, Georgia

 Sec. 10-11. Control of Animal.
(a) General Control.Restraint of dogs and/or animals shall be maintained as follows:
a. When upon the premises of the owner, all animals shall be kept indoors or in a primary enclosure as defined by this chapter in such a manner as to contain the animal within the bounds of the owner’s premises, or
on a leash in the hands of a person that possesses the ability to restrain the animal. Tethering as a means of primary enclosure is not permitted.

New Orleans, Louisiana
Stationary confinement by tethering considered cruel treatment.

Sec. 18-2.1

(a) Shelter and Care.
(1) Shelter must be sanitary, of sound construction, and provide adequate protection from the cold and heat. Shelter must be placed in a dry area free of debris, feces, and standing water. It must have at least three sides and a weatherproof roof; have a solid sanitary floor, be adequately ventilated; provide shelter from wind, rain, sun and the elements at all times. Suitable drainage must be provided so that water is not standing in or around the shelter.
(2) Shelter must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the sides or top of the shelter.
(3) When outdoor temperatures reach freezing levels, all cats, dogs, and small domestic animals must be moved indoors or to an area that provides heat and shelter from the weather.
(4) All areas where animals are kept shall be cleaned regularly so that fecal matter is disposed of so not to attract insects or rodents, become unsightly or cause objectionable odor.
(5) An animal control officer may remove an animal that is living in conditions that do not meet standards outlined in 18-2.1. If modifications to the shelter or living area do not meet the standards within five business days, that animal becomes the property of the LA/SPCA.
(6) If multiple animals are present in one location, each animal must have a separate and clean food bowl. Each animal must have access to shelter and the owner must meet all standards as detailed in this section.

(b) Tethering. No animal shall be tethered as a primary means of stationary confinement; stationary confinement by tethering shall be considered cruel treatment.

Carthage, Missouri
December 8, 1992 - Tethering dogs is prohibited.

Sec 4-7 (a) All dogs must be confined within a fenced area, unless on a leash not longer than six feet long. At no time may any dog be tied to or leashed to inanimate objects i.e. trees, posts, etc. (b) Persons found guilty of violating this section will be liable to fines ranging from: $25.00 - $200.00. However, if said dog has been spayed or neutered the fines may be reduced, upon provided proof.

New Hanover, North Carolina
Chaining or tethering dogs is prohibited. A chain or rope is not to be used in place of a leash when walking dogs.

Sec. 3.4 (d) Restraint: An animal is under restraint within the meaning of this chapter if it is controlled by means of a leash, or is sufficiently near the owner or handler to e under his direct control and is obedient to that person’s command; or is on or within a vehicle being driven or parked; or is within a secure enclosure. Exceptions to restraint are as follows: Organized and lawful animal functions e.g. hunting, obedience training, field and water training, law enforcement training and/or in the pursuit of working or competing in those legal endeavors. When a dog is on the property of its owner of guardian it shall be secured when not supervised by a competent person. Ropes, chains, and the like shall not constitute adequate security under this ordinance.

Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina

This ordinance prohibits the tethering of dogs. All outdoor animals, cats as well as dogs, must be kept in a 36-square-foot enclosure per animal with a minimum height of six feet

Section 91.22. Prohibition Against Tethering of Dogs.

A. It shall be unlawful to tether an unattended dog outside of the house.

New Richmond, Ohio - December 2007

Prohibits the tethering of animals (dogs or cats) to any object, stationary or otherwise, within the village limits.

Read news story.

Lawton, Oklahoma (population: 90,000)
This ordinance specifies that a dog may not be chained in his or her own yard.

A. No person shall, at any time, fasten, chain, or tie any dog or cause such dog to be fastened, chained or tied while such dog is on the dog owner’s property or on the property of the dog owner’s landlord.

B. Any dogs confined within a fenced yard must have an adequate space for exercise based on a dimension of at least one hundred square feet. Provided, further that where dogs are kept or housed on property without a fenced yard, the owner of such dogs or persons having custody of such dogs shall provide an enclosure for such dogs meeting the one hundred square feet dimension. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of such enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements.

Shelter to allow the animal to remain dry and protected from the elements. Such shelter shall be fully enclosed on three (3) sides, roofed, and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the animal's entry and exit, and sturdy enough to block entry of wind or rain. The shelter shall be small enough to retain the animal's body heat and large enough to allow the animal to stand and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair. (Ord. 90-18, 6/26/01)

Austin, Texas

Passed by the Austin City Council: June 7, 2007 - Ordinance Effective Date: October 1, 2007

§ 3-2-13 ENCLOSURE FOR DOGS

(A) An outdoor enclosure used to keep six or more dogs, other than puppies less than six months old, must be located at least 50 feet from an adjacent residence or business, excluding the residence or business of the owner or handler of the dogs.

(B) An outdoor enclosure used as the primary living area for a dog or used as an area for a dog to regularly eat, sleep, drink, and eliminate must have at least 150 square feet of space for each dog six months of age or older.

§ 3-4-2 RESTRAINT REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.

(A) Except as provided in Subsection (B), a person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether unless the person is holding the chain or tether.

(B) The prohibition of Subsection (A) does not apply to a temporary restraint:

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

(2) that is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, if the dog's owner or handler remains with the dog throughout the period of restraint.

(C) A person restraining a dog with a chain or tether shall attach the chain or tether to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog. A person may not wrap a chain or tether directly around a dog’s neck. A person may not restrain a dog with a chain or tether that weighs more than 1/18 of the dog’s body weight. A chain or tether used to restrain a dog must, by design and placement, be unlikely to become entangled.

(D) A person may not restrain a dog in a manner that does not allow the dog to have access to necessary shelter and water.

(E) A person may not restrain a dog in a manner that allows the dog to move outside the person’s property.

(F) A person may not keep six or more dogs, other than puppies less than six months old, unless the dogs are kept in an enclosure that meets the requirements prescribed by Section 3-2-13 (Enclosure for Dogs).

Big Spring, Texas
Tethering is prohibited unless owner is outside with the dog and in visual contact with the dog.

The ordinance reads: "No person shall, at any time, fasten, chain or tie any dog or cause such dog to be fastened, chained or tied while such dog is on the owner's property or on the property of the dog owners landlord. (Exception - A dog may be tethered to allow for the cleaning of the dog's enclosure or while the owner is outside with the dog and is in visual contact of the animal at all times to prevent injury to the dog.)

Any dogs confined within a fenced yard must have adequate space for exercise based on a dimension of at least 100 square feet. Provided, further that where dogs are kept or housed on property without a fenced yard, the owner of such dogs or persons having custody of such dogs shall provide an enclosure for such dogs meeting the 100 square feet dimension. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of the enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements.

Shelter to allow the animal to remain dry and protected from the elements. Such shelter shall be fully enclosed on three sides, roofed and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the animal's entry and exit, and sturdy enough to block entry of wind and rain. The shelter shall be small enough to retain the animal's body heat and large enough to allow the animal to stand and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair."

Electra, Texas
Tethering is prohibited, but dogs may be controlled by the hand-held use of a rope, leash, or chain.

Ordinance 96-9, Section 111, Restraint: A. 2. Dogs To Be Restrained—dogs shall not be allowed to run at large. All dogs must be restrained by some physical means; however, a dog shall not be considered at large when held or controlled by some person by means of a rope, leash, or chain. Dogs may not be tethered and the tethering of any dog shall be a violation of this chapter.

Ft. Worth Texas - January 2008
Tethering is prohibited

Ordinance 17955-01-2008

The Fort Worth City Council has approved an ordinance banning use of chains, ropes, tethers, leashes, cables or other devices to attach an unattended dog to a stationary object or trolley system — commonly known as dog tethering. A dog still must be confined within a secure enclosure at all times.

Under the new ordinance, the tethering of dogs still will be allowed under limited circumstances when the owner is present, such as at lawful animal events or city dog parks and during veterinary treatment, grooming, training or law enforcement activity.

Irving, Texas
November 2, 2007

The Irving City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that bans tethering unattended dogs any time, any place. Irving's ordinance goes beyond a state law that went into effect in September that limits the time dog owners can tether their pets to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Irving's new law prohibits tying dogs up and leaving them unattended. Owners are allowed to tether a when they are present if necessary to protect the animal
or another person. Owners also may tie up a dog on their property if they are present and the pet is more than 15 feet from the edge of a public street or sidewalk. Dogs also may be tethered in a designated dog park as long as their owners are present. Read news story

Live Oak, Texas
March, 2007

SECTION 10: Animal Restraint is Required.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, harboring or in possession of any animal to permit it to be free of restraint either inside or outside such person’s premises.

(b) Any animal permitted to be kept within the City shall not be chained, tied, fastened or other wise tethered to any stationary or inanimate object as a means of confinement and restraint to property. First time violators of this provision may be given one (1) to two (2) days grace without penalty to correct a violation of this provision. Exception from penalty shall not be given in any case where the violation of this provision causes or contributes to the bodily injury of a person or animal. An animal chained; not having food; not having water; not having shelter shall be considered separate offenses under this provision and each violation shall carry a separate penalty.

(c) All animals permitted to be kept within the City must be restrained at all times within the owner’s premise, by a secure fence, or on a leash or lead.

(d) Any dogs confined within a fenced yard must have an adequate space for exercise based on a dimension of at least one hundred (100) square feet. Provided further that where dogs are kept or housed on property without a fenced yard, the owner of such dogs or persons having custody of such dogs shall provide an enclosure for such dogs meeting the one hundred (100) square feet dimension. Such enclosure shall be constructed of chain link or similar type materials with all four sides enclosed. The enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure. The top of such enclosure shall be covered with materials to provide the dog with shade and protection from the elements.

(e) An animal shall not be considered enclosed by a fence or restrained when and if the animal can pass through, under or over the fence, or the gate of the fence is not securely latched.

(f) A dog that can snap or bite a person through a fence shall not be considered enclosed by the fence or restrained.

(g) An electronic fence shall not be considered to be a fence, and an electronic leash shall not be considered to be a leash.

(h) A dog will be considered to be leashed only when the leash is six (6) feet or less in length or is a retractable leash, and is being grasped by an adult, provided that if the dog is less than twenty (20) pounds then the leash may be grasped by a person who is competent to handle the dog and is over twelve (12) years of age.

(i) Notwithstanding the prior section, in the event that a dog on a retractable leash causes injury or death to a person or animal, the owners and the person holding the retractable leash shall be presumed to be in violation of this ordinance unless it is proved that the leash was retracted to no more than six feet at the time of
the injury or damage.

(j) Prosecution of any owner or person in possession of any animal for the offense described herein may be instituted in the municipal court by any person filing a sworn complaint charging such owner or person in possession with such offense.

Communities that Limit Chaining by Time

North Little Rock, Arkansas
2006

WHEREAS, many dogs in North Little Rock have suffered severe injury from being tethered to a fixed location and neglected; and
WHEREAS, studies by the Humane Society of the United States have shown that tethering a dog to a fixed location for extended periods of time inhibits socialization and often results in dogs becoming more territorial and aggressive; and
WHEREAS, neighborhoods are harmed by the tethering of dogs to a fixed location for extended periods because of the associated concentration of urine and feces within a small area and the damage to the yard.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1: That North Little Rock Municipal Code § 10-41 is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 10-41. Dog pens confinement.
a. Dog pens. Unless otherwise permitted under subsection d, outdoor dog pens shall be located 75 feet from any dwelling other than the person owning or controlling the dog. There shall be at least 150 square feet in such pen for each dog kept therein which is over six months of age.

b. Tethering. Unless otherwise permitted under subsections c and d, it shall be unlawful for any person to tether a dog to any inanimate object as a means of confinement.

c. Trolley Systems. A trolley system is a method to confine a dog by tethering the dog to a cable that is no less than ten (10) feet in length and elevated four (4) to seven (7) feet off the ground in a manner that allows the tether to move freely along the length of the cable. Unless otherwise permitted under subsection d, it shall be unlawful for any person to confine a dog through the use of a trolley system:
(1) Between the hours of 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.;
(2) That is located within 75 feet from any dwelling other than the person owning or controlling the dog; or
(3) 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 25% of the body weight of the dog; or
C. The use of a trolley system in an area that contains hazards to the dog or deprives the dog of food, water, or shelter.

d. Permit. The Director of the North Little Rock Animal Shelter is hereby authorized to issue permits to allow the confinement of a dog in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this section.
(1) Criteria. No permit shall be issued unless the Director determines that: (i) unusual circumstances warrant confinement of the dog in this manner; (ii) the welfare of the dog will not be harmed by the confinement; and (iii) the neighborhood will not be adversely impacted by the confinement.
(2) Inspection. All permits issued under this subsection shall require consent to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections of the animal and confinement area.
(3) Revocation. The Director shall revoke a permit issued under this subsection if: (i) the holder of the permit is convicted of any offense under local, state, or federal law involving animal cruelty; or (ii) an inspection indicates that the criteria authorizing the permit are no longer met.
e. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit walking dogs with a hand-held leash.
 

Kern County, California

2002

This ordinance prohibits the fixed-point tethering of dogs for longer than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period. Tethers must be at least 15 feet long, weigh no more than one-eighth of the dog’s weight, have swivels on both ends, and attach to a properly-fitting collar or harness.

7.08.115 Restraint.
(a) A dog or puppy shall not be restrained by a fixed point chain or tether for more than twelve (12) consecutive hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period. This chain shall be at least fifteen (15) feet long.

(b) A dog or puppy may be exclusively restrained by a chain or tether provided that it is at least fifteen (15) feet in length and attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least fifteen (15) 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 owner’s property.

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

(e) Any chain or tether shall be at least fifteen (15) feet in length and have swivels on both ends.

(f) Any chain or tether shall be attached to a properly fitting collar (no choke chain collars) or harness worn by the animal. (Ord. G-6942 § 5 (part), 2002)

Los Angeles, California

August 3, 2005
This ordinance prohibits the tethering of dogs in most circumstances. A limited period of tethering is allowed provided that certain conditions are met.

Sec. 53.70. Care and Maintenance of Dogs

D. Tethering. It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause a dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The tethering shall not be for more time than is necessary for the dog owner or custodian to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained for a reasonable period.

(2) The dog must be tethered by a non-choke type collar or a body harness to a tether that is at least three (3) times the body length of the dog, measured from the dog’s nose to the back of the hindquarters and which tether is free from entanglement.

(3) The dog must have access to food, water and shelter as described above.

(4) The dog shall be monitored periodically.

This section shall not affect the use of appropriate electronic means of confinement.

San Bernadino, CA
February, 2006

Dogs may not be tethered for more than 12 hours a day to a stationary tether.

State of Connecticut
General Assembly, Committee Bill No. 6038

January Session, 2003

AN ACT CONCERNING THE CONFINEMENT AND TETHERING OF DOGS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened:

Section 1. Subsection (a) of section 53-247 of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2003):

(a) Any person who overdrives, drives when overloaded, overworks, tortures, deprives of necessary sustenance, mutilates or cruelly beats or kills or unjustifiably injures any animal, or who, having impounded or confined any animal, fails to give such animal proper care or neglects to cage or restrain any such animal from doing injury to itself or to another animal or fails to supply any such animal with wholesome air, food and water, or confines or tethers such animal for an unreasonable period of time or unjustifiably administers any poisonous or noxious drug or substance to any domestic animal or unjustifiably exposes any such drug or substance, with intent that the same shall be taken by an animal, or causes it to be done, or, having charge or custody of any animal, inflicts cruelty upon it or fails to provide it with proper food, drink or protection from the weather or abandons it or carries it or causes it to be carried in a cruel manner, or fights with or baits, harasses or worries any animal for the purpose of making it perform for amusement, diversion or exhibition, shall be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or both.

Denver, Colorado
Dogs may not be chained for a period longer than one hour on a chain less than six feet in length.

Sec. 8-131. Cruelty to animals prohibited. (b) It shall specifically be cruel, dangerous or inhumane for any person to: (3) Tether and leave, or permit to be left, unattended any animal on a leash, cord or chain of less than six feet in length for longer than one hour.

Dania Beach, Florida

July 26, 2005
This ordinance prohibits the chaining of dogs for longer than one hour in any 24-hour period and allows such tethering only under certain conditions.

Section 5-15. Dogs at large prohibited.

(b) It shall be a violation of this section for the owner of any dog to tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog... outdoors; provided, however, that a dog may be temporarily tethered, tied or chained outdoors for a total period of time not exceeding one hour on any day between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm if accompanied by its owner or any person over the age of fifteen years. No dog shall be tethered, tied or chained outdoors at any time for purposes of training on any treadmill device. Dog owners must provide clean, safe and humane conditions for dogs which are outdoors on private property, which conditions include, but are not limited to, sufficient food and water, shelter from cold, heat and rain, with adequate shelter ventilation.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

June 16, 2006

This ordinance prohibits the tethering of cats, dogs who are under the age of 6 months, and any dog during periods of extreme weather or for longer than 15 minutes between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Any tethering of dogs during other times must meet certain conditions.

Section 6-35. Supervision and Confinement; Tethering.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog or cat to confine or tether that animal outdoors during periods of extreme weather, such as periods of unusually cold or hot temperatures, or periods of poor air quality, or when a hurricane or tropical storm warning has been issued.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog or cat and who confines that dog or cat outdoors on private property to fail to provide the animal with:

     6. A tether, which may be employed subject to the following regulations:

a. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog that is under the age of six months to tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog that is under the age of six months outdoors. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any cat to tie, chain, or otherwise tether a cat outdoors.

b. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog that is over the age of six months to tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog outdoors between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. except that a dog of any age may be temporarily tethered, tied, or chained outdoors for a total time period not exceeding fifteen minutes. At other times, it is permitted to tie, chain, or otherwise tether a dog that is over the age of six months outdoors if the dog is harnessed by a properly-fitting body harness that is fastened to either

i. a tether that is at least ten feet long and that is free from entanglement and that allows the dog to move unheeded; or

ii. an overhead run, which is an overhead wire at least 10 feet long to which the dog’s body harness is attached by a leash or chain, that allows the dog to move unheeded.

Hollywood, Florida

July 6, 2005
This ordinance prohibits the chaining of dogs between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and allows tethering during other times only under certain conditions.

Chapter 92.08 Animal Care; Manner of Keeping.

(C) Animals maintained on a tether must be in an area free of objects that may cause entanglements. All tethers must be a minimum of six (6) feet in length and longer if appropriate for breed (i.e., Irish Wolfhound, Borzoi, Great Dane, St. Bernard, etc.). Choke type or prong type collars shall be used only while the animal is under the handler’s direction control. Between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., animals shall not be on a tether outdoors.

Oakland Park, Florida
July 6, 2006

This ordinance prohibits the tethering of cats, dogs who are under the age of 6 months, and any animal during periods of extreme weather or for longer than 15 minutes between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Any tethering of dogs during other times must meet certain conditions.

Section 4.23 Supervision and Confinement; Tethering.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog, cat or other animal to confine or tether that animal outdoors during periods of extreme weather or when a hurricane warning has been issued.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog, cat or other animal who confines that animal outdoors on private property to fail to provide the animal with:

     6. a tether in lieu of a fenced yard which may be employed subject to the following regulations:

a. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog that is under the age of six months to tie, chain, or otherwise tether

b. outdoors a dog that is under the age of six months. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any cat to tie, chain or otherwise tether outdoor a cat.

c. It shall be unlawful for any person who owns or any person who is in charge or in control of any dog that is over the age of six months to tie, chain or otherwise tether outdoors a dog between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm except that a dog of any age may be temporarily tethered, tied or chained outdoors for a total time period not exceeding fifteen minutes. At other times, it is permitted to tie, chain or otherwise tether outdoors a dog that is over the age of six months if the dog is harnessed by a properly fitting body harness that is fastened to either

i. a tether that is at least ten feet long and that is free from entanglement and that allows the dog to move unheeded;

ii. an overhead run, which is at least ten feet long to which the dog’s body harness is attached by a leash or chain that allows the dog to move unheeded.

Orange County, Florida

July 12, 2005

This ordinance prohibits the chaining of dogs between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and during periods of extreme weather. Tethering is allowed during other times only under certain conditions.

Section 5-29. Definitions.

Restraining Device shall mean a chain, cord, or cable, with a minimum length of ten feet, used to confine an animal on an owner’s property. This device must provide for humane, unrestrained range of movement for the animal to insure that the animal is not exposed to hazard or injury and shall not prevent the animal from having food, water, shelter, adequate ventilation, protection from the elements or other care generally considered to be normal and usual. This device shall be proportional in size, weigh no more than 1/8 of the dog or puppy’s body weight, and designed for use with the specific breed of animal with an appropriate collar. These devices shall not be used to confine a dog on an owner’s property between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, 365 days a year and during times of extreme weather, e.g., hurricanes, below freezing conditions.

Pembroke Park, Florida

Sept. 14, 2005

This ordinance prohibits the tethering of dogs for more than one total hour on any day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and all tethering of dogs at other times.

Sec. 4-11. Impoundment and Care of Dogs.

(a) It shall be a violation of this section for the owner, agent, employee, servant or other person having charge of the premises where any dog is located to tie, chain or otherwise tether a dog outdoors; provided, however, that a dog may be temporarily tethered, tied or chained outdoors for a total period not exceeding 1 hour on any day between the hours of 9AM and 5PM if accompanied by its owner or any other person over the age of fifteen years.

West Palm Beach, Florida
Dogs may not be chained between 10:00 am and 5:00 p.m. year-round.

News Story

Ordinance No. 2003-029
August 19, 2003

Animals may not be tethered outdoors between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All tethers must be at least 6 feet in length and may not be attached to choke- or prong-type collars unless the animal is under the handler’s direct control.

Wilton Manors, Florida

City Commissioners passed an an anti-tethering or anti-chaining ordinance, to wit:
- no one may tether or chain an animal that is younger than 6 months old;
- no one can tether or chain an animal outdoors unless they provide the animal with a properly fitting collar, the tether or chain is at least 3 times the length of the animal's body, and the animal is not left tethered or chained for more than 15 minutes between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- animals tethered or chained outside must have adequate shelters, periodic supervision, and an exercise area of no less than 150 square feet of space.
- no animal may be tethered or chained outdoors during periods of extreme weather or when a hurricane warning is in effect.

The vote in favor of the ordinance by the city commissioners was unanimous.

DeKalb County, Georgia
July, 2004 - News Story

Any animal that is housed outside of its owner’s house shall be housed in a proper enclosure. The owner shall also ensure that the proper enclosure contains at least 100 square feet of open space.

Tethering of an animal is prohibited.

As a secondary means of restraint to a proper enclosure, an animal may be attached to a running cable line or trolley system providing that: