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

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189 Tetbesing Committee Report SUMMARY July 3&, 2007 Afters, siac -mantl -long dependion that included wven meetings, the OMge County Tcfficdng Committee has concluded that the practice of tethering is a corn from the standpoint of both animal and human welfare. With respect to the latter, tedgred. dogs can pose risks to the safety of cximraumty members, and in some circnmstaaces, affeci their enjoyment and use of their property. With respect to the former, it may be injurious to an animal and result in isolated lives of ant -so- quiet desperation at the end of a chain or rope. of particular concern are dogs that spend their lives tethered, as these are nafinally active and social beings that require exercise and frequent interaction with humans and other animals. Additionally, the Committee is concerned that tethered animals develop behavioral problems, including aggression, that adversely affect public welfare. Notably, the Committee is recommending that tethering be limited rather than outlawed because it has concluded that there are certain circumstances under which tethering can be an acceptable hours, whether method of confinement for several the owner is in attendance or has left his or her residence for that time period. Iu light of this, the Committee is recommending that the County's current animal ordinance be amended to include the following with regard to tethering dogs: • a three -hour limit within a 24 -hour period; • a specification of the types of collars and equipment that are allowed when a dog is tethered; a requirement for minimum kennel size for outdoor housing of dogs; • an exemption for organized and lawful animal functions such as hunting, obedience training, and law enforcement training of a duration of not more than seven (7) days; • an 1 S -month education period, including twelve (12) months of public outreach and sic (G) months of issuing warnings before the citations would be issued.' In general terms, the Committee is malting these recommendations on the basis of these findings: prolonged tethering can and does deprive dogs of necessary exercise and socializaxion. Tethered dogs can and do cotmrlmte to various community problems, including pet overpopulation and nuisance barking. Tethered dogs can and do pose a risk to public safety and health because they may become aggressive and they are not confined behind a physical barter. In making these recommendations, 'the Committee has gathered general information about the htmoane and public safety aspects of tethering; researched existing ordinances dud restrict or prohibit tethering in jurisdictions across the United States; interviewed Animal Services personnel in North Carolina jurisdictions with tethering ordinances; and held two meetings to obtain public input.