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

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195 Tefhering Committee Report July 30ffi, 2007 recommending that g be limited rather than outlawed becange it has cxtncluded that there are cectaia cirarms~ under which tethering can be as acceptable method of confinement for several horns, whether the ownea is in ice or has left his or her residence for that ttme periocL . • Tethers must meet certain requm. A tethered dog mast have a Nether at least ten feet in length that swivels ax each end to prevent choking or strangulation and allows access m food, water and shelter. The weight of the tether and Dollar must not egcxed: tea percent of the dog's body weight. A tethered dog mnst be tethered using a buckle collar or harness. Choke chain collars and prong collars are not allowed when tethering a dog.. These r are designed to avoid shangulation and eastue the welfffie of the animal if and when it is tethered in accordance with the proposed ordinance. • A minimum~en size for outdoor enclosures for dog should be established. This is necessary to empower Animal Control to ensure that dogs taken offtethers as a primary means of constraint are not confined to small spaces that compromise their welfare.5 Ezceptions • Te~Lerinn is allowed at tr~~ing and verformance (or .~*h~) events for does. includme but not limited to field trails and obedience trails. Ia such cases, continuous tethering shall not be allowed for a period longer than seven ('7) days. Implementation • An ordinance amendment rega~mg.tieth~ng should become e$~ective 18 months after its This approach is infomied~by the successful experience of other communities is which awareness was raised and the public before a tethering regulation acfiaally became effective. s An example of such requirement from New Hanover Cotmty, North Camlina, is that "Outside enclas~a~e means a pen huge e~oough to provide each dog less than 25 pounds with a loeanel of at least 8 Eeeet x 10 fxt in sin, and each dog 25 pounds or greater with a loennel of 10 feet x 10 feet in sire. Animal cx~+ol service's reserves the right to determine if a space is considered suitable fur the number and size of dogs housed in as o~OOr enclosure." (New Hanover County Code, Sxtion S-4)