A rule to keep animals from being chained is one step closer to becoming a county ordinance.

Proposed Amendments To The Animal Ordinance

At a Tuesday afternoon work session, Durham County commissioners agreed to put a proposed amendment to the county's animal control ordinances on their agenda at their meeting on Sept 8. The proposed amendment would create a ban on animal tethering, according to county documents.

County officials updated the definition of tethering for the proposed updates to the ordinance. It now reads:

"Tethering means tying out or fastening a dog outdoors on a rope, chain, or other type of line for holding a dog. This shall not include tying out or fastening a dog outdoors on an attended leash."

County Chair Ellen Reckhow recommended a grace period be added to the proposed addition.

Reckhow said she spoke to New Hanover County officials, who already have the ban in place. She said the New Hanover county representatives recommended a grace period, which would give people time to adjust to the new rules.

The proposed ordinance would make tethering unlawful unless it's for "shepherding or herding livestock" or various types of training.

Commissioner Lewis Cheek said the county needed to set up programs for residents who could not afford fences. "If there is true financial need, there's going to have to be some way for it to be taken care of," said Commissioner Cheek.

Cheek said he was concerned elderly residents would be impacted the most by the new rules, since many elderly residents live on a fixed income.

"That's the only family they sometimes have," Cheek said in his plea to provide assistance.

County commissioner Michael Page said he was worried the ban would threaten people that live near outside animals. "I've been bit by a dog, and it doesn't feel good. I want to protect those that do not have a dog," Page said.

He worries the new rules could lead to many dogs being left unattended and unrestrained.

"A dog that's chained up all day has no protection whatsoever," Commissioner Becky Heron responded. Heron said the commissioner urged commissioners to consider the effects of tethering on both humans and animals.

Animal control officials say their research shows the new law would add very little workload to their office. They say they've worked this proposed ban for about two years.