Arlington, Texas

Section 9.08 Tethering

A. A person commits an offense if he uses a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. This section does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
B. It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:
1. the dog is being tethered during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity; or
2. the dog tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, and the dog’s owner maintains direct physical control of the dog; or
3. the dog tethering is due to force majeure and the dog is tethered for less than one hour within a twenty-four period; or
4. the dog tethering:
a. occurs while the dog is within the owner’s direct physical control; and
b. prevents the dog from advancing to the edge of any public right-of way.
C. The defenses under this section are only available if the following specifications are met:
1. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness worn by the dog;
2. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is not placed directly around the dog’s neck;
3. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device does not exceed 1/20th of the dog’s body weight;
4. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device, by design and placement allows the dog a reasonable and unobstructed range of motion without entanglement; and
5. The dog has access to adequate shelter and clean and wholesome water.