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Beginning July 1, tethering a dog too long without any supervision is against the law in Raleigh.
The new ordinance says dogs cannot be tethered for more than three hours in any 24-hour period. Those who break the law could be fined up to $100 per day of the incidents.
Officer Erin Jenks, a Raleigh animal control specialist, said tethering is common.
"Tethering dogs is something every officer sees on a day to day basis," Jenks said.
Jenks said tethering a dog can be dangerous because chains can become tangle, leaving dogs stranded from shelter, water and food.
"It can easily strangle itself," Jenks said. "Unfortunately, if not properly cared for, animals can sometimes die from being tethered."
The ordinance also requires a tether be at least 10 feet long and chains be no heavier than 10 percent of the dog's body weight.
"Sometimes you run into issues that dogs are skinny and they've got this big heavy chain on them loading them down and that's something we're going to try to prevent," Jenks said.
Jenks said Raleigh Animal Control is taking the ordinance "very seriously" and will be on the lookout for long-term tethering, but is relying on the public to speak up.
"It really is going to take the public letting us know there is a problem," Jenks said.
One solution to tethering is building a fence, but that can be expensive. That's why the local group the Coalition to Unchain Dogs is stepping in to build fences for deserving households free of charge.
The group has built 200 fences in the Triangle.
Hailey Queen heads up the Raleigh crew, which has built five fences.
"We're definitely here to be a resource for the community, we really hope that we can help people come into compliance with this new ordinance," Queen said.
If you have a tip for Raleigh Animal Control you can call 919-831-6311. You can reach the Coalition to Unchain Dogs at www.unchaindogs.org
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Comments
By kristin on 07/03 10:03 PM
a dog confined to it's owners property is not roaming the streets. there are some dogs that cannot be fenced in, (jumpers, climbers, diggers) and in these days of growing concern over dog bites, i just cannot fathom why city officials would vote to take away a proven method of restraining a dog. a dog can be kept outdoors responsibly, or neglected outdoors, regardless of whether it's in a kennel, or on a tether. off to go re-read my copy of 1984...
By Diane on 07/03 08:43 PM
Dear Palease, I agree that being outside in a fenced yard where they is room to run and play with plenty of water and shade is better than being inside in relation to hair growth, exercise, and fresh air. The slippery slope is people who don't recognize the difference of dogs being PROPERLY accommodated outdoors versus being treated cruely on a too short leash, too heavy leash, or improper shade and water supply. It is a good thing that laws are passed to protect helpless animals for those people who can't recognize the difference. Sounds like you just don't like people "telling you what to do".
By Palease on 07/02 11:11 PM
Dogs by nature are wild animals. Never in the years of them being a pet has it ever endangered dogs. Keeping them in doors is worse for them then having them outside where they belong. Boredom, reversing or making dormant the natural process of hair growth, fresh air, exercise... list goes on. Thanks for furthering the ever so slippery slope of a communistic type society. First it's HOA's and the countless protect the stupid laws now this.... anything else others are doing you want to tell me how to? Or better yet just pay attention to your own.
By Phyllis on 07/02 06:03 PM
Thank GOODNESS this is now law! It's about time! Way to go, Coalition to Unchain Dogs! As to Chris' question of how cruel is it to "lock your dog up in a cage (or a kennel, whatever word you prefer) for hours on end"--? Well, two wrongs never made a right. For now, let's celebrate this particular victory!
By Geoff Gardner on 07/01 07:16 PM
I think this is a great step foward for man's best friend...our pets. I only wish this could have been state wide. I'm in Person county, and know of several familys that keep their pet outside on a chain and under a tree. That is all the protection they(the pet) has. It's cruel. The owner should trade places to see how it feels to be tied out in the weather and watch the loved ones walk by and ignore you. Great life! Like I said "wish it were law here in person county".
By Chris on 07/01 06:30 PM
Obviously, some people neglect their dogs on short chains and those people should be stopped. But how cruel is it to lock your dog up in a cage (or a kennel, whatever word you prefer) for hours on end.
By Diane on 07/01 06:06 PM
Excellent. I hope the public will participate to assist in enforcing this much needed regulation. Dogs should not be tethered on short lengths and they should not be exposed to heat for long periods of time.
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