As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ANIMAL
Includes every living creature except a human being.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Weather conditions that are likely to adversely affect the
health or safety of the animal, including but not limited to rain,
sleet, ice, snow, wind, or extreme heat and cold.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY
Any person owning, harboring, or having custody or control
of an animal.
TETHERING
To restrain an animal by tying the animal to any object or
structure, including, but not limited to a house, tree, fence, post,
garage, or shed, by any means, including, but not limited to, a chain,
rope, cord, leash or running line. This shall not include using a
leash for walking purposes.
It shall be unlawful for a responsible party to tether an animal
while outdoors, except when all of the following conditions are met:
A. The responsible party is physically present on the premises while
the animal is tethered.
B. The tether is connected to the animal with a collar or a body harness
made of nylon or leather (no choke or pinch collars allowed).
C. The tether has the following properties:
(1) It must be at least five times the length of the animal's body,
as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, however
in no event shall the tether be long enough to allow the animal to
move outside the responsible party's property.
(2) It terminates at both ends with a swivel.
D. The animal is tethered so as to prevent injury, strangulation, or
entanglement.
E. The animal is not outside during inclement weather.
F. The animal has access to shade by natural or artificial means to
protect the animal from direct sunlight at all times when exposure
to sunlight is likely to threaten the health of the animal.
G. The animal has access to water and food.
H. The animal is a least six months of age.
I. The animal is not sick or injured.
J. Pulley, running line or trolley systems are at least 15 feet in length
and are less than seven feet above ground; however, in no event shall
the tether be long enough to allow the animal to move outside the
responsible party's property.
K. If there are multiple animals, each animal is tethered separately,
in a manner in which they cannot become entangled.
L. The animal is not tethered for more than two hours in a continuous
twelve-hour period.