Martin County, Florida

November 24, 2015

This jurisdiction strengthened its previous ordinance, which had allowed 10 hours of tethering, by outright banning tethering under certain conditions.

Sec. 9.92. – Animal care and treatment.

1. The following shall constitute violations relating to the proper care and treatment of animals:

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6. No dog shall be tethered unless all of the following conditions are met.
7. The dog is in visual range of the responsible party, and the responsible party is located outside with the dog.
8. Any tethering system employed shall not allow the animal to leave the owner’s property.
9. The dog is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
10. The dog is not sick or injured.
11. The dog is at least six (6) months of age, and no more than seven (7) years of age.
12. The dog has access to water, shade, and dry ground.
13. If there are multiple dogs, each dog is tethered separately.
14. The dog may not be tethered under weather conditions which endanger the health, safety or welfare of the animal; including but not limited to hurricanes, tropical storms or tornadoes.
15. The tether is attached to a properly fitting collar or harness worn by the dog. Prong, choke or chain collars are prohibited in the use of tethering animals. A “choke” collar as used in this section shall mean any slip or sliding collar that restricts the animal’s airway.
16. The length and weight of the tether shall be appropriate for the animal breed and shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet long or five (5) times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, whichever is greater.