Rocky River, Ohio

505.23 TETHERING ANIMALS.

(a)   No person shall tether an animal in any of the following circumstances:

(1)    For more than six (6) hours, daily. Dogs being tethered must have evidence of adequate provisions for water;

(2)    Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

(3)    If a heat or cold advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

(4)    If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

(5)    If the tether is less than ten (10) feet in length;

(6)    If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public property;

(7)    If the tether is attached by means of a pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type collar or if the collar is unsafe or is not properly fitted;

(8)    If the tether may cause injury or entanglement;

(9)    If the animal is not provided with its needs as identified in division (b) of Section 505.21;

(10)    If the tether is made of a material that is unsuitable for the animal’s size and weight or that causes any unnecessary discomfort to the animal;

(11)    If no owner or occupant is present at the premises.

(b)   As used in this section, “tether” means a rope, chain, cord, dog run or pulley, or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a radius in which it can move about.

(c)    Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the second offense, and a misdemeanor of the first degree on the third or any subsequent offense. Notwithstanding the foregoing penalties, if an animal becomes sick or injured as a result of a violation of this section, then whoever violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.