St. Lucie, Florida

2019

Unattended tethering is prohibited. Attended tethering is allowed under certain conditions.

Sec. 6-26. – Animal care.
(j) No animal shall be tethered unless all of the following provisions are met:
(1) Animals younger than six months old, older than seven years, or ill shall not be tethered.
(2) The length and weight of the tether shall be appropriate for the animal breed and shall be a minimum of ten feet long or four times the length of the animal (measured from tip of nose to base of tail), whichever is greater.
(3) The tether must have swivels at both ends of the rope, chain or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a short radius in which it can move about and not become tangled.
(4) Prong, choke or chain collars are prohibited in the use of tethering an animal.
(5) The area which the animal may reach while tethered shall be free of entanglements.
(6) The length and location of the tether must not allow the animal to reach a fence or neighboring property.
(7) Collar weight shall be appropriate for the animal as determined by a reasonable person.
(8) A responsible person must be outside and within view of the animal at all times while tethered.
(9) A trolley system is permitted.
(10) An animal may not be tethered in extreme weather, including but not limited to hurricanes, tropical storms or tornados.
(11) The animal shall have access to a dry and raised area at all times.