Cumberland County, North Carolina

Sec. 3-22. Keeping of animals; mistreatment, abandonment prohibited; care; restraining of dogs; exercise area for dogs; security bond/cash for costs of impounded animals.

(h) It shall be unlawful to tether a dog except in accordance with this subsection

(1) No dog shall be tethered outdoors unless the keeper or owner of the dog is outside and within sight of the animal at all times.

(2) It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of this subsection that the tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, provided that the keeper or owner of the dog acquires a permit from the animal services director.

(3) The provisions of this subsection (h) shall not apply to a temporary tether:

1. During a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity; or
2. To a keeper or owner walking a dog with a hand-held leash, or during lawful hunting activities if reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog, or while a dog is actively engaged in shepherding or herding livestock; or
3. When meeting the requirements of a camping or recreation facility; or
4. After taking possession of a dog that appears to be a stray dog and after having advised the animal services department of the stray.

(4) The provisions of subsections (h)(2) above shall apply only if:

1. The tether is not placed directly round the dog’s neck and is attached to a properly fitting collar or harness of nylon or leather worn by the dog; and
2. The weight of the tether does not exceed more than one-tenth of the dog’s body weight; and
3. The tether is unlikely to become tangled or twisted and is attached with a swivel that will prevent tangling or twisting.
4. The tether is arranged to be free of any obstacles which may limit the movement of the dog and the tether is at least 12 feet long; and
5. The dog is tethered in a manner that permits access to necessary shelter and water.
6. The dog has been spayed or neutered.

(5) Any dog that remains tethered in violation of this subsection for more than 14 days after the owner receives a notice of violation may be seized by an animal services officer or law enforcement officer and impounded at the department’s shelter. If the dog’s owner does not show that an adequate confinement enclosure complying with the requirements of this chapter has been installed on the owner’s property within three business days of the impoundment, the dog shall be deemed to have been forfeited to the county and shall be disposed of in accordance with the department’s policy.