(a) No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause a dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The tethering shall be no longer than necessary for the dog’s guardian or owner to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained for a reasonable period of time.
(2) The dog is visible to the responsible party at all times and the responsible party is outside with the dog.
(3) The dog must be properly fitted with and wearing a non-choke harness or collar made of leather, nylon, or similar material.
(4) The tether must be attached to the dog’s harness or collar and not directly to the dog’s neck.
(5) The tether must be at least 10 feet long, free from tangles and weigh no more than 1/8 of the dog’s weight.
(6) The dog is tethered so as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
(7) The dog is not tethered outside during extreme weather, including, but not limited to, extreme heat or near-freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, tornadoes, or floods.
(8) The dog must be at least 15 feet from the edge of any public road or sidewalk.
(9) The dog is six (6) months of age or older.
(10) The dog is not sick or injured.
(b) If using a pulley, running line or trolley system, all the conditions of subsection (a) of this section must be met, and:
(1) It must be at least fifteen (15) feet in length and at least four (4) feet and no more than seven (7) feet above ground.
(2) If there are multiple dogs, each dog is tethered separately.
(3) The dog(s) must be tethered at sufficient distance from any other objects to prohibit the tangling of the cable, from extending over an object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation of the animal and be of sufficient distance from any fence so as to prohibit the animal access to the fence.
(c) Exceptions. Nothing in subsection (a) or (b) will be deemed to apply to temporary restraint:
(1) During any lawful training activities, veterinary treatment, grooming, or law enforcement training.
(2) When the animal is being held, walked, or exercised on a hand-held leash.
(Passed 10-18-10)