Tethering/Chaining
Canton, Ohio
505.18 TETHERING ANIMALS.
(a) No person shall tether an animal outdoors in any of the following circumstances:
(1) If a heat or cold advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;
(2) If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;
(3) If the tether is less than twenty (20) feet in length;
(4) If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public property;
(5) 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;
(6) If the tether may cause injury or entanglement;
(7) If the animal is not provided with its needs as identified in division (c) of
Section 505.17;
(8) 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;
(9) 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.