LaGrange, Georgia

Sec. 10-30-32. – Tethering of dogs.

(a) The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this code section, unless otherwise specifically stated:

Attended means in the immediate physical presence and line of sight of a responsible and competent individual.

Tether means attach, whether by chain, rope, tie, leash, or other fastener, whether inside a structure or vehicle or outdoors, to anything, including, but not limited to, any dog house, tree, fence, other animal, vehicle, runner, railing, trolley system, house, or furniture; provided, however, that a leash, attached to a properly fitted harness or collar worn by a dog, that is held by an individual, or attached to a belt or similar item worn by an individual, is not considered a tether.

(b) Except as set forth in subsection (c) below, it shall be an offense for any person to tether a dog.

(c) A dog may only be tethered if it is attended.

(d) The following are additional offenses if the dog is tethered in violation of subsection (c) of this section:

(1) Using a choke, prong, pinch, martingale, or similar collar; wrapping the tether directly around the dog’s neck; or using a slip lead as any part of the tethering device except while the dog is being groomed or provided veterinary care;

(2) Using a chain as a tether, provided that a premanufactured leash with a chain component shall not be considered a chain;

(3) Attaching any weight or lock to the dog, its collar or harness, or tether; and

(4) Using a tether that, together with all items that have their weight borne by the dog, weighs more five (5) percent of the body weight of the tethered dog.

(e) The following are additional offenses if a dog is tethered in violation of subsection (b) of this section:

(1) Restricting the dog’s range of movement to less than ten (10) feet, after taking into consideration the length of the tether, the height at which the tether is attached to a thing, any tangling, wrapping, or other shortening of the useful length of the tether, any obstacles, and any other circumstances reducing the animal’s range of movement; and

(2) Tethering the dog in a way that the tether can become tangled or so that the dog can reach an object (including, but not limited to, a railing or fence) or edge that could result in injury to the dog, whether or not such injury in fact occurs.

(f) It shall be an offense for an owner of a dog not to ensure such animal is not tethered in violation of this section or of any of its subsections.

(g) Each violation of this section and of any of its subsections shall be a separate offense.