No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog to any dog house, tree, fence, or other stationary object.

A person may temporarily tether a dog “no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task.”

Infraction or misdemeanor

Animal control may issue a warning to a person who violates this chapter, requiring the owner to correct the violation, in lieu of an infraction or misdemeanor, unless the violation endangers the health or safety of the animal, or the animal has been wounded as a result of the activity.

Fine of no more than $100 for 1^st offense

$100-250 for 2^nd offense

$250-500 for any subsequent offenses

Law addresses the design of a tether:

• Outdoor dog houses: tethers shall be attached so that dog cannot become entangled with other objects or come into physical contact with other dogs
  

• Tether shall be 6 feet long or at least 3 times the length of the dog
  

• Must allow the dog convenient access to dog house and to food and water
  

"Cruelly chains" means attaching an animal to a stationary object or a pulley by means of a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or similar restraint under circumstances that may endanger its health, safety, or well-being.

Cruelly chains includes a tether that:

• Causes the animal to choke

• Does not permit the animal to reach food, water, shade, dry ground
  

• Does not permit the animal to escape harm

Imprisonment up to 180 days and/or fine up to $250

Misdemeanor offense results in forfeiture of animal and reimbursement for costs incurred for care of animal

"Neglect" means restraining an animal for more than a brief period in a manner that endangers the animal's life or health by the use of a rope, chain, or tether that:

• is too heavy
  

• causes the animal to choke
  

• is less than 3x the length of the animal
  

• seriously endangers the animal's life or health

A person may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the movement of the dog;

Or one that uses a collar that:

• is made primarily of metal
  
  
• is not at least as large as the circumference of the dog's neck plus 1 inch
  
  
• that restricts the access of the dog to suitable and sufficient clean water or appropriate shelter
  
  
• in unsafe or unsanitary conditions
  
  
• that causes injury to the dog

An owner, possessor, or person having custody shall not tether a dog unless the tether is at least 3 times the length of the dog and is attached to a harness or nonchoke collar designed for tethering.

1 animal: 93 days imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine (misdemeanor)

2 or 3 animals or the death of an animal: 1 year/$2,000 fine (misdemeanor)

4-10 animals or at least one previous conviction: 2 years/$2,000 fine (felony)

10 or more animals: 4 years/$5,000 fine (felony)

• is less than 12 ft. in length
  
  
• fails to allow the dog to move at least 12 ft.
  
  
• allows the dog to reach a fence or other object in which it could become entangled
  
  
• uses a prong, pinch, or choke collar
  
  
• for more than 14 hrs. in a 24-hr. period

• city or county jail for 2 days to 6 months
  
  
• perform 48 - 120 hours community service
  
  
• fine: $200-1,000

It is a violation for an owner or keeper to:

1. Keep any dog on a permanent tether that restricts movement of the tethered dog to an area less than one hundred thirteen square feet (113 sq. ft.), or less than a six foot (6’) radius at ground level.
2. Tether a dog with a choke-type collar or prong-type collar.
3. Keep any dog tethered for more than ten (10) hours during a twenty-four (24) hour period or keep any dog confined in a pen, cage or other shelter for more than fourteen (14) hours during any twenty-four (24) hour period.

Any person in violation of this section shall be given a warning for a first violation. Second and subsequent violations of this subsection can be considered a violation of § 4-1-2. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.

Any person in violation of this section shall be imprisoned not exceeding eleven (11) months, or fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor exceeding five hundred dollars ($500), or both. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.

1st offense: Class A misdemeanor

2nd or subsequent conviction: Class E felony

Owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dog's movement during certain times of day or during extreme weather

A restraint unreasonably limits a dog's movement if the restraint is a length shorter than the greater of 5x the length of the dog or10 feet.

Also if it is in an unsafe condition or causes injury to the dog.

Law does not apply to running line, pulley, or trolley system if the collar meets requirements.

Class C misdemeanor

Class B misdemeanor if previously convicted

• is appropriate to the age and size of the animal
  
  
• is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness
  
  
• configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals
  
  
• is at least three times the length of the animal