§ 97.15 UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF AN ANIMAL.
    (A)   For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
      COLLAR. Any collar constructed of nylon, leather or other similar material, specifically designed to be used for a dog.
      PROPERLY FITTED. With respect to a collar, a collar that measures the circumference of a dog or cat’s neck plus at least one inch.
      RESTRAIN/TETHER. A rope, leash, cable, chain, pulley system or other similar tethering devices.
   (B)   A person commits an offense if he or she uses a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. This section does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
   (C)   It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
      (1)   The dog is being tethered during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity;
      (2)   The dog tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, and the dog's owner maintains direct physical control of the dog;
      (3)   The dog tethering is due to force majeure and the dog is tethered for less than one hour within a 24-hour period; or
      (4)   The dog tethering:
         (a)   Occurs while the dog is within the owner’s direct physical control; and
         (b)   Prevents the dog from advancing to the edge of any public right-of-way.
   (D)   Outdoor kennels used to house and contain an animal must be at a minimum no less than 50 square feet per animal, providing for adequate movement of each animal. Nursing animals under three months of age may be kenneled together.
(Ord. 2017-1, passed 1-17-17; Am. Ord. 2017-21, passed 12-19-17; Am. Ord. 2024-5, passed 2-20-24)