Sugar Creek, Missouri

Sec. 8-42. – Restraint; tethering.

(a) A dog owner shall keep his dog under restraint at all times.

(b) It shall be unlawful to tether any dog except under the following restrictions:

(1) No dog may be tethered as the primary method of restraining a dog to any property. No dog may be tethered for a period longer than 30 minutes unless it has been provided with adequate food, water, and shelter suitable for the age, and condition of the dog.

(2) No dog may be tethered between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(3) A tethered dog must not be tethered outdoors in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or in other weather conditions that could likely cause harm to the animal.

(4) No dog may be tethered unless supervised by a competent person physically present on the property.

(5) The tether must be of a type and weight that allows for the free movement of the dog and shall be no less than three times the dog’s length or ten feet, whichever is greater and contain a swivel at both ends. At no time may any logging chain, tow chain or similar device be utilized as a tether.

(6) A tethered animal must be placed where the animal cannot be in danger of being strangled or hung, including in areas that are free of dangerous debris and obstacles.

(7) Dogs must be tethered by a non-choke type collar or body harness constructed of either nylon or leather and no less than one inch in width, unless the collar is rolled leather collar.

(8) A tethered dog must be tethered using a properly-fitted collar that measures the circumference of the animal’s neck with additional space to place at least two adult fingers.

(9) No dog under six months in age may be tethered.

(10) Multiple dogs must be tethered separately and in such a way that they may not become entangled with one another.

(11) When tethered, a dog’s maximum reach must be no closer than ten feet from any sidewalk or property line.