Dodge City, Kansas

February 7, 2005

This ordinance prohibits the chaining of dogs for more than one continuous hour or more than three total hours in any 24-hour period. Three continuous hours must pass between periods of chaining. Tethers must be at least 10 feet long, weigh no more than one-eighth of the dog’s weight, and attach to a proper collar or harness. Tethers cannot inhibit the dog’s movement or cause injury, entanglement, or strangulation.

Chapter 2-108. Tethering of dogs restricted.

It shall be unlawful for any person to continuously tether a dog for more than one continuous hour, except that tethering of the same dog may resume after a hiatus of three continuous hours, for up to three hours total time on tether per day. (a) For the purpose of tethering a dog, a chain, leash, rope, or tether shall be at least 10 feet in length.

(b) A chain, leash, rope, collaring device, tether, or any assembly or attachments thereto used to tether a dog shall not weight more than one-eighth of the animal’s body weight, or due to weight, inhibit the free movement of the animal within the area tethered.

(c) Dogs shall be tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement on fences, trees, or other manmade or natural obstacles.

(d) It is unlawful to attach chains, ropes, or other restraints implements directly to a dog without the proper use of a collar, harness, or other device designed for that purpose and made from a material that prevents injury to the animal.