ORD-2008-102a - Animal Control Ordinance - Tethering of Dogs

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14 Tethering Committee Report lily 30s , 2007 Over a six-month period, the Tethering Committee met numerous times to organize itself; gather and review information about the practice of tethering, research ordinances to restrict or prob bit tag in other North Carolina jurisdictions, and collect input from the public. Altogether there was one orgsnizafional meeting, two information gathering meetings, and two public input naxtings. Two additional meetings were held to formnlate recommendations and review and approve the Committee's Report and Proposal for Ordbw= Amendment The Committee carne to its general findings on the basis of the weight of available infoormation gathered through its meetings and wort These findings are generally consistent with the concerns that have prompted other jurisdictions to outlaw or otherwise control the practice of tethering. According to one source, there are now more than 50 jurisdictions in the United States with tethering regu lations.Z Most of these are county and local governments, but there are also four states that have prob bited tethering. Some national organizations -- including the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), which has advised the County on animal sheltering issues -- advocate for prohibitions on tethering dogs. Specifically, the Committee's findings include: Humane Concerns • Tethered dogs, and certainly those that are isolated and continuously tethered, may be deprived of essential exercise and socialization. • Tethered dogs are at risk of various tethering - related injuries, such as embedded collars and accidental strangulation or hanging. • Tethered dogs are also at risk of becoming tangled and prevented from reaching food, water and shelter, and attacks by other animals in which they are usually unable to deSend themselves. 2 Sex MtpJtwww.be[pmgM&MWLC dga_tdherLegLWOn.asp- b 127