Wadesboro, North Carolina

Sec. 4-10. – Tethering and restraint of dogs.

The following standards for the tethering of dogs shall apply and be enforced within the town:

(1) Tethering dogs to a stationary object is permissible only if subsections (1)a.—j. of this section are met:

a. A tether shall be equipped with a swivel on both ends.

b. A tether shall be a minimum of ten feet in length and shall be either metal chain or coated steel cable.

c. Tethers shall be attached to a buckle-type collar or harness and under no circumstances shall the tether itself be placed directly around a dog’s neck. Tethers shall not be used in conjunction with training collars such as choke or pinch-style collars.

d. The weight of the tether shall not exceed ten percent of the total body weight of the dog but shall be of sufficient strength to prevent breakage.

e. The tether by design and placement shall allow the dog a reasonable and unobstructed range of motion without the possibility of entanglement, strangulation or other injury.

f. A dog must be four months of age or older to be tethered.

g. Only one dog shall be attached to a single tether.

h. Pulley systems, running lines and trolley systems may be used in conjunction with a tether.

i. Pulley systems, running lines or trolley systems must be at least ten feet in length and no more than seven feet above the ground.

1. The line of the pulley system, running line or trolley system to which the tether is attached shall be made of coated steel cable.

2. No tether shall be affixed to a stationary object which would allow a dog to come within five feet of any property line.

j. Any tethering must be in compliance with subsection (2) of this section.

k. An animal control officer may in his/her discretion order a more restrictive tethering requirement if circumstances require and it is not detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of a dog.

l. Exemptions. Citizens residing in town homes, apartments, condos or similar multi-family housing units with lot sizes insufficient to meet the length and property line requirements specified in subsections b., h. and i. above, may only tether dogs for temporary exercise and relief, but in no case for longer than three hours in a day.

(2) When a dog is on the property of its owner or keeper and is not within a secure enclosure, it shall be under the direct control of, and obedient to, the owner or keeper. At all other times when a dog is on the property of its owner or keeper, it shall be kept within a secure enclosure, including a fenced in area, pen, or electronic fence, house or other building, of sufficient strength and height to prevent the dog from escaping from such enclosure, provided, the owner or keeper may, for a period not to exceed one hour every 24 hours, allow the dog to be tethered or chained to a stationary object or pole as long as the dog is provided with sufficient water and nourishment and otherwise in compliance with town ordinances including subsection (1) of this section. All dogs off of the property of its owner or keeper shall be controlled by means of a leash and under the direct control of, and obedient to, the owner’s or keeper’s command.