Saginaw, Texas

Sec. 6-43. – Animal care.

(h) Tethering.

(1) 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.

(2) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that:

a. The dog is being tethered during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity;

b. 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;

c. The dog tethering is due to force majeure and the dog is tethered for less than one hour within a 24 hour period; or

d. The dog tethering:

i. Occurs while the dog is within the owner’s direct physical control; and

ii. Prevents the dog from advancing to the edge of any public right of way.

(3) The defenses under this section are only available if the following specifications are met:

a. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is attached to a properly fitted collar or harness worn by the dog;

b. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is not placed directly around the dog’s neck;

c. The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device not does exceed one twentieth of the dog’s body weight;

d. 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

e. The dog has access to adequate shelter and clean and wholesome water.