(A) Restraint requirement.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause a dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to any stationary or inanimate object by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement for more than four hours, cumulatively in any 24-hour period.
(2) The dog must be tethered by a non- choke type collar or a body harness to a tether that is at least four times the body length of the dog, measured from the dog's nose to the back of the hindquarters, or at a minimum be ten feet in length, and which the tether is free from entanglement.
(3) The tether shall have swivels at both ends and all areas of confinement shall be maintained as to provide a safe and healthy environment for the dog.
(4) An individual found chaining or tethering an animal in violation of this section has 30 days to provide other means of confinement, as long as other conditions of confinement and care are being met. The grace period is null and void immediately if the owner, at any time during the grace period, is not in compliance with other applicable laws relating to animals.
(5) Individuals who do not comply within the 30-day grace period are subject to fines and penalties stipulated in this chapter.
(B) Shelter and outdoor enclosure requirements.
(1) Proper shelter, including protection from the weather and elements, shall be provided at all times. The shelter for a dog shall have a weatherproof roof, enclosed sides, a doorway, and a solid floor raised at least two inches above the ground. No interior surfaces shall be metal. The shelter shall have an entryway that the dog can easily enter and sufficient in size for a dog to stand, turn around, lie down, and exit in a natural manner. The shelter shall have adequate ventilation and protection from temperature extremes at all times.
(2) Bedding, such as wood shavings, straw or other material, shall be provided in sufficient quantity for insulation. Bedding shall be kept dry.
(3) Shade, separate from the shelter, either natural or manmade, shall be available at all times to a tethered dog, or a dog confined to an outdoor enclosure.
(4) Any dog confined within an outdoor enclosure must have adequate space for exercise. A minimum of 100 square feet is required. Dogs over 75 pounds must have an additional 50 square feet. Seventy-five square feet is required for each additional dog kept within the same enclosed area.
(C) Care requirements.
(1) Any person owning or having care, control or custody of a dog shall provide daily food that is free from contamination and is of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the animal in good health.
(2) Potable water must be accessible to the dog at all times.
(3) The dog must receive care and medical treatment for injuries, parasites and disease, sufficient to maintain the dog in good health.
(4) Any outdoor area where a dog is confined must be kept free of excretions and contaminated materials and cleaned regularly.
(D) Penalties. A violation of this section may result in a civil citation pursuant to § 1-5-53 of this chapter, or impoundment of the dog(s), or both.
(Ord. 08-24-500, 9-23-2008; Ord. 14-23-678, 11-13-2014; Bill No. 17-09, 5-16-2017)