Bloomfield, New Jersey

§ 134-39 Tethering of animals.

A. Tethering of dogs.

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, tie, restrain or cause an unattended dog to be fastened, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages, stakes or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are satisfied:

(a) The tethering is for a total of no more than seven hours within a twenty-four-hour period, with a maximum of four hours at any one interval and a minimum one-hour period between confinements.

(b) The tether is attached to the dog by a non-choke-type collar, swivels at both ends, and attached to the stationary object by anchors, latches, or similar devices in a manner which the dog is able to move freely and prevents the tether from becoming entangled around the dog or any object so as to limit the dog’s freedom within the tethered area or to prevent the dog, or any of its appendages, from becoming entangled by the tether.

(c) The tether shall be of a type commonly used for the size of the dog involved.

(d) The construction of the tether shall be of a lightweight yet durable material, shall not exceed 20% of the animal’s weight, and may not be thicker than 1/8 inch.

(e) The tether must be a minimum of 15 linear feet in length, less than six feet above the ground, and shall remain tangle-free.

(f) The tethered dog has easy access to potable drinking water, edible food, dry ground, and adequate shade and/or shelter within the tethering area.

(g) The tethering area shall be clean, clear of obstructions and/or debris, and no less than 150 square feet per dog in total area.

(h) The dog, whether used for hunting, farming, breeding, or is an otherwise working dog, is regularly monitored while tethered for the aforementioned period of time.

(2) No dog shall be tethered by means of a choke-type, pinch-type, prong-type, or improperly fitting collar.

(3) Chains shall be prohibited for use as a tethering device.

(4) If there are multiple dogs, each dog shall be tethered separately and in such a manner that the tethers shall not become entangled with each other.

(5) No dog shall be tethered within five feet of another person’s property, public thoroughfare, and/or right-of-way.

(6) No dog shall be tethered at a vacant structure or premises for any purpose when it is not monitored by a competent adult who is present at the property for the duration of such tethering.

(7) Dogs that are not spayed or neutered shall not be tethered for any period of time.

(8) No dog under the age of one or under 20 pounds shall be tethered.

(9) No dog that is sick or injured shall be tethered.

(10) No dogs shall be tethered between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.