(A) Dogs and/or cats are permitted on the roadways and public areas in the county only if on a secure leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, and in the immediate physical control of the person having custody thereof. This provision does not apply when an animal is in a bona fide animal show, nor does it apply to dogs trained for the purpose of hunting and under the voice control of their owners.
(B) It is unlawful for the owner of an animal to cause, allow, or permit the animal to commit any damage or nuisance to a person, upon the property of any other person, or upon a public street, alley, sidewalk, park or other public place.
(C) A person owning or having charge, custody, care, or control over an animal, shall keep the animal upon his or her own premises within a secure enclosed pen with ample room to move freely within the pen, or in an area containing a fence or wall of sufficient height surrounding the perimeter of the property. It shall be unlawful to tether an animal as a form of confinement. This will be evaluated and decided by an Animal Control Officer.
(1) Fixed point tethering of any animal to stationary objects is permitted in limited circumstances such as picnics or gatherings in a park or open space, for emergency purposes to permit an individual to render aid to a human or another animal and only when the owner is immediately present.
(2) A dog is permitted on the street and in other public places only if on a secure leash not exceeding 6 feet in length. Longer retractable leashes may be used, provided the person with the dog is capable of controlling the dog. All other animals must be secured in a fashion acceptable for the species of animal. A person physically capable of controlling and restraining the animal must exercise immediate custody. This section does not apply when an animal is participating in a bona fide animal show authorized by the county or appropriate authorities, nor when a dog is in an off-leash park or other designated off-leash area.
(D) Restraint devices. A rope, chain, or other device may be used to restrain an animal, provided the following criteria are met:
(1) The device must be affixed to the animal by use of a non-abrasive, comfortably fitted collar or harness, or other device designed for that purpose. The device and collar or harness shall be of appropriate size and weight so as to not cause sores or abrasions.
(2) The device must be at least 12 feet long unless such length would violate this section, in which case it shall be both no less than 8 feet long and still may not violate this section. The device must be fastened so the animal can sit, walk, and lie down comfortably, and must be unobstructed by objects that may cause the device or animal to become entangled or strangled. All chains or tethers shall have swivels on both ends.
(3) The animal must have easy access to proper and sufficient food, potable water, adequate shade, ventilation, and proper shelter.
(4) All animal feces shall be removed, and the area where the animal is confined shall be kept as required by § 90.067.
(Ord. passed 6-23-1997; Am. Ord. 2022-02, passed 3-2-2022) Penalty, see § 90.999