Lima, Ohio

§ 618.12 ANIMAL WELFARE.

(a)   For purposes of this section, “tether” means any rope, string, cord, chain, ribbon, webbing, cable, or other material used to secure a dog or other domestic animal to a stake, a structure, or any other object for the purpose of restraining the dog or other domestic animal’s freedom of movement.

(b)   No person shall knowingly do any of the following:

(1)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal by means of a tether that is less than three times the length of the animal, is too heavy to permit the animal to move freely, or causes the animal to choke.

(2)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal in such a fashion that it can reach a fence or cross the property line onto any adjoining public or private property.

(3)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal using a pinch-type or choke type collar, or a collar which is not properly fitted, or with a tether that may cause injury or entanglement, or in such a manner that seriously endangers the animal’s life or health.

(4)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal in such a fashion that it does not have access to a supply of wholesome food and fresh water.

(5)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal in such a fashion that it does not have access to adequate shelter from weather elements, including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or excessive direct sunlight; or during any time a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service.

(6)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal between the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. during all months of the year.

A.   During the months of April, May, June, July, August, and September, no person shall tether a dog or other domestic animal between the hours from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

B.   During the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March, no person shall tether a dog or other domestic animal between the hours from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

(7)   Tether a dog or other domestic animal for more than six hours total in a 24 hour period.