505.21 HUMANE CONFINEMENT AND TREATMENT OF DOGS.
(a) Except as otherwise limited by Section 505.15
, dogs may be considered to be in the reasonable control of their owner, harborer, or keeper if they are enclosed or tethered on the property of such owner, harborer or keeper.
(b) Chaining or Tethering as Only Means of Confinement. Dogs may be restrained by means of a trolley system or a tether attached to a pulley on a cable run, if the following conditions are met:
(1) Only one dog may be tethered to each cable run.
(2) The tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog, with enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat through which two adult human fingers may fit. Choke collars, prong collars and pinch collars are prohibited for purposes of tethering a dog to a cable run.
(3) The chain or tether must have swivels on both ends.
(4) The tether or chain and cable run must be of adequate size and strength to effectively restrain the dog. However, the chain or tether shall weigh no more than one-eighth (1/8) of the dog’s weight.
(5) The chain or tether must be at least fifteen (15) feet in length and attached to a pulley or trolley mounted on a cable which is also at least fifteen (15) feet in length and mounted no more than seven (7) feet above the ground.
(6) The dog shall be tethered at a sufficient distance for any other objects to prevent tangling of the chain or tether, from extending over an object or an edge that could result in strangulation and a sufficient distance from any fence to prohibit the dog access to the fence.
(7) The dog shall have continuous access to water and shelter.
(8) The dog must be spayed or neutered, if there is no means of securing the dog in an unfenced yard.
(9) No dog shall be chained or tethered for more than twelve (12) consecutive hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period.
(10) No dog shall be tethered while unattended between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(11) No dog shall be tethered in the event of a severe cold or heat advisory issued by a local, state or national weather service for the area in which the animal is harbored.
(c) Enclosures. Any dog enclosed in a pen or a fenced yard must have adequate space for exercise based on a dimension of at least sixty-four square feet (64 sq. ft.) per dog. The fence or enclosure shall be of sufficient height to prevent the dog from escaping from the enclosed area. If the enclosed area has a cover, such cover must be at least two (2) feet above the height of the dog standing on its hind legs. Dogs in enclosed areas must have continuous access to water and shelter.
(d) Muzzling. If muzzling a dog, it should be done in a manner that will not cause injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration, but shall prevent it from biting any person or animal.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit owners or others from walking dogs with a hand held leash.
(f) No person shall surgically silence or de-bark any animal or dog.
(ORC 955.22; Ord. 055-2021. Passed 7-20-21.)