Dutchess County, New York

§ 130-13 Tethering regulations.

The following provisions shall regulate the usage of tethers and the conditions surrounding when a canine may be tethered:

A. Tethers:

(1) A tether shall be properly fitted and attached to the canine with a buckle-type collar or a body harness. Such collar or body harness shall be made of a nonmetal, such as nylon or leather, that is at least one inch wide.

(2) A tether shall not utilize a choke collar, pinch-type collar, or attached weights.

(3) A tether’s length shall be whichever length is longer: longer than 10 feet or five times the length of the canine’s body as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

(4) A tether shall connect at both ends with a swivel, weigh less than 1/10 of the canine’s weight and be free of tangles.

(5) If the canine is tethered to a pulley, running line, trolley, or cable system, it shall be a minimum of 15 feet long, less than seven feet above the ground.

(6) A tether shall allow the canine to move in an area not less than 125 square feet.

(7) A tether shall restrain the canine to the property.

B. While a canine is tethered, the following provisions shall be met:

(1) The canine shall be at least six months old.

(2) The canine shall have access to shade, water, and dry ground.

(3) The canine shall not be tethered during a weather alert.

(4) The canine shall not be tethered in any weather that poses an adverse risk to the health and safety of such canine based on the breed, age or physical condition.

(5) The canine shall not have any known medical or behavioral condition that could be exacerbated by tethering.

(6) A canine shall not be tethered for longer than 12 hours per twenty-four-hour period. If a canine is tethered between sunset and sunrise, the surrounding area must be well lit.

(7) If tethered for more than two consecutive hours, the canine shall have access to shelter.

(8) If there are multiple canines, each must be tethered separately or on a separate pulley, running line, trolley, or cable system.

(9) A canine shall be free of cruel, inhumane or dangerous conditions at all times, including but not limited to:

(a) Exposure to animal waste, garbage, noxious odors or objects that could injure or kill a canine;

(b) Exposure to taunting, prodding, provoking, hitting, harassing, threatening or otherwise harming a tethered canine;

(c) Potential attack by other animals;

(d) Objects that could cause a canine to become entangled.

§ 130-15 Penalties for offenses.

A. Any person found to be in violation of any provisions of this article shall, for a first offense, be subject to a fine not to exceed $250.

B. For a second offense, any person found to be in violation of any provisions of this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500.

C. For a third or subsequent offense, any person found to be in violation of any provisions of this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.

D. Any person found to be in violation of any provisions of this article may be required to register as an animal abuse offender with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department after proper notice and hearing.