Chesapeake, Virginia

Sec. 10-22.1. – Tethering dogs.

(a) Definitions. As used in this section:

Body harness means a device consisting of straps made of nylon, leather or other pliable material fitted to the body of a dog and used to affix a tether for restraint of the animal.

Collar means a device made of leather, nylon, chain or other flexible material secured around the neck of a dog that is properly fitted and has enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat through which two adult fingers may fit. Choke collars and pinch collars are prohibited for purposes of tethering a dog.

Properly fitted means worn without causing discomfort, pain, or injury.

Tether means, when used as a noun, any device, including but not limited to a chain, leash, cable, or tie out, attached to a stationary point or object, trolley or run used to contain or restrain a dog. When used as a verb, tether shall mean to attach a dog to such a device.

(b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the tethering of a dog that is in the immediate proximity of its owner or custodian, in a manner that does not cause discomfort, pain or injury to the dog.

(c) No person shall tether or cause to be tethered any dog that is not in the immediate proximity of its owner or custodian except under all the following conditions:

(1) The owner or custodian is present on the property;

(2) Such tethering does not exceed 60 continuous minutes;

(3) The dog is six months of age or older;

(4) If female, the dog is sterilized or not in estrus;

(5) The tether does not exceed ten percent of the dog’s body weight;

(6) The tether is at least 15 feet in length or four times the length of the dog from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, whichever is greater, or when an animal control officer, having inspected an animal’s individual circumstances, has determined that in such an individual case, a tether of at least ten feet or three times the length of the animal, but shorter than 15 feet or four times the length of the animal, makes the animal more safe, more suited, and better equipped to tolerate its environment than a longer tether;

(7) The tether allows the dog to easily stand, sit, lie, turn around, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the dog;

(8) The tether allows the dog to interact safely with other animals, if at all;

(9) The tether is (i) appropriate for the age and size of the dog; and (ii) attached to the dog by a properly fitted collar or body harness configured to prevent the dog or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the dog;

(10) Only one dog is attached to a single tether;

(11) The dog is not tethered in such a manner to permit the dog to cross and enter upon another’s property, except that the same shall not be unlawful if the affected property owner or person having lawful possession thereof provides consent; and

(12) The dog is not tethered in such a manner as to violate the provision of adequate shelter as defined in Virginia Code § 3.2-6500, as amended.

(d) A violation of this section shall be a Class 4 misdemeanor.