Tethering Ordinance example: Suggested wording for a “Tethering Ordinance” Section XXX: Tethering animals to stationary objects with rope or chain; choker collar (a) No animal shall be tethered, tied or fastened to a stationary object by any rope, chain, or cord that is directly attached to the animal’s neck. (b) Animals that are tethered, tied, or fastened for restraint shall wear a properly fitted collar or harness made of leather or nylon, not of the choker type. This does not prohibit the proper use of choker collars in the training of animals. (c) The tying device shall be attached to the animal’s collar or harness and shall be at least ten (10) feet in length and should have a swivel device on the anchor and collar end to prevent tangling. (d) The collar shall be tight enough to prevent escape and checked often to ensure proper fit. (e) An animal that is tethered shall have access to water and shelter at all times and food at least once a day. (f) No person may tether a dog to a stationary object belonging to another person without the consent of the owner of the object to which the dog is tethered, tied, or fastened. Tethering can be the safest method of controlling hard to contain dogs as some are real “escape artists” and will go over, under or through 6-8 foot fences. Some dogs can only be contained securely and humanely with a well thought out tether system. Anti-tethering laws discriminate against ethnic minorities, low income pet owners, and pet owners who work and prefer to leave their dog outside while they are away from home. Dogs can be very destructive if left unattended inside their house. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Study: A Comparison of Tethering and Pen Confinement of Dogs by Seong C. Yeon, Glen Golden, Wailani Sung, Hollis N. Erb, Arleigh J. Reynolds, and Katherine A. Houpt concludes: “Our findings provide no evidence that tethering was any more or less detrimental to dog welfare than being housed in pens. Tethering has been used for centuries to restrain dogs.”
Posted on: Tue, 25 Jun 2013 03:24:38 +0000