(A) Tethering of dogs shall be permitted when:
(1) The tether is a minimum of 12 feet;
(2) If attached to a pulley or trolley system the tether is at least 15 feet long and no more than seven feet above the ground;
(3) The tether is attached to a properly fitting collar or harness (not a choke, prong or pinch collar);
(4) The tether has a swivel on at least one end;
(5) The tether is an appropriate size and weight for the dog; and
(6) Only one dog is attached to a single tether.
(B) Tethering of dogs shall be prohibited if:
(1) Any of the above conditions are violated;
(2) The tether allows the dog to cross the property line or onto public property;
(3) The dog is tethered in a manner that is likely to cause injury, strangulation, or entanglement thereto;
(4) The dog is sick/injured, pregnant or nursing, or under six months; or
(5) Any other condition detrimental to the dog exists as determined by the Animal Services Officer.
(C) Exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, exceptions may apply at the discretion of the Animal Services Officer for tethering that is non-permanent and being used as a part of a legal activity with direct supervision from an owner.
(D) Penalty. Violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor, and any person convicted of the violation shall be subject to punishment as provided in G.S. § 14-4. Each day a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense, and said violation may also be enforced as set forth in § 10.99 herein.
(Ord. passed 6-21-2021; Ord. passed 3-21-2022)