Lee County, Florida

2014

Tethering of animals to a stationary object is prohibited except for temporary tethering for recreational purposes under certain conditions.

Sec. 6-34. – Cruelty to animals.
(k) Supervision, confinement, caging and tethering.

(1) No person shall fasten, chain, tether, or otherwise tie an animal to any inanimate objects such as trees, buildings, fences, posts or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of rope, chain, cable, leash, lead, strap or other physical restraint for the purposes of restraining an animal.
(2) Animals must wear a specifically manufactured and properly fitted collar or harness for purposes of attended, temporary tethering for recreational purposes. A leash or lead may not be attached directly to the animal’s neck in lieu of a manufactured collar or harness. Chain, choke or prong collars are prohibited during tethering of an animal.
(3) Perimeter property fencing, a kennel or a run may be used to restrain a domestic animal provided it is sufficient to prevent an animal from running at large. The minimum area for each animal must be configured so to as to provide each animal sufficient room to move about freely, stand, turn around and lie down without touching the sides of the perimeter fencing. It must also include a solid top or covered area and bottom to protect an animal from the direct rays of the sun, wind or rain, and it must be free from unsanitary conditions, including bodily waste, stagnant water and/or stale food, odor and parasites, including fleas, ticks and rodents.
(4) A structure in which an animal is housed must be well ventilated with fresh air by means of windows, doors, vents or fans.
(5) An electronic confinement system will be deemed an acceptable enclosure if the equipment is properly installed and maintained in continuous working order and the animal being contained wears the appropriate electronic collar when within the system perimeter.
(6) This section does not apply to animal owners using a leash or lead (including a retractable leash or lead) for the purposes of supervised recreational or outdoor enjoyment with their pet or caretakers of registered TNR colonies.