(a)
It is unlawful to tether a dog:
(1)
Using any device that is directly attached to its neck, but instead via a tying device attached to a properly fitted collar or harness made of leather or nylon, and not of the choker type; this does not prohibit the proper use of choker collars in the training of dogs;
(2)
Using a collar exceeding one and one-half inches wide for any dog weighing less than 60 pounds, or using a collar exceeding two inches in width for dogs weighing 60 pounds or more;
(3)
Except by using a tying device at least ten feet in length or five times the dog's length, whichever is longer, with a swivel device on the anchor and collar end to prevent tangling and:
(4)
Using a device that weighs more than one-eighth-inch of the dog's body weight;
(5)
In any manner that allows it, or any part of the tying device by which it is tethered, to go into, upon or over any sidewalk, alley, street, or any property not belonging to the dog's owner;
(6)
To any lamppost, light pole, utility pole, awning post, tree, fence, hydrant, shrubbery, or other object belonging to another person without the consent of the owner of the object to which the animal is to be tethered;
(7)
If on its owner's property, for more than four hours per day, and only if it has access to water and shelter at all times is, and the owner or a duly authorized person that is familiar with dog handling, their habits and behavior, is on the premises and within its view and a reasonable distance therefrom; or
(8)
If anywhere other than its owner's property, for more than ten minutes, and only if it is in a safe place and the owner, or a duly authorized person that is familiar with dog handling, their habits and behavior, is never out of sight of the dog and never more than 50 feet away.
(b)
The confinement of any vicious animal shall be secure, whether indoors or outdoors. If outdoors, the vicious animal shall be confined in an enclosed and locked kennel. Animals that are not vicious animals may be tethered or kenneled when outside any structure on their owner's premises, but are not required to be thus restrained if reasonable measures are taken to maintain the animal within the owner's premises, such as a fenced or adequately secured backyard. Kennels, whether indoors or outdoors, must be large enough for the animal to comfortably have shelter from the elements, provide at all times access to shade and water, allow a reasonable amount of space for movement, and a place to eliminate body waste. Kennels must have minimum dimensions of five feet by ten feet and must have secure sides and, if outdoors, a secure top attached to the sides in order to make it escape proof. If a concrete slab floor or patio block floor over sand is not provided for an outdoor kennel, the bottom must be wire fencing or similar material that is secured to the sides, and otherwise the sides must be embedded into the ground no less than two feet. All kennels must be adequately lighted and kept clean and sanitary. The animal shall be taken out of the kennel daily for training, playtime, exercise, and attention.
(Ordinance 2010-25, § I, adopted 4/26/2010[1])
[1]
Editor's note—This ordinance also repealed former § 14-36, which pertained to definitions and derived from the Code of 1966, § 5-20; Ord. No. 2004-50, § 1, 6-28-04.