Lynchburg, Virginia

Sec. 7-42. Tethering restrictions.

(a) Definition: For the purposes of this section, “tethering” means the use of a rope, chain, or the like, by which an animal is fastened to a fixed object so as to limit its range of movement. Tethering includes the use of a “run-line” in which a wire, or the like, is placed above ground, is tied off between two fixed points, and a lead is suspended from the run-line to the collar or the harness of a dog which allows the dog to run from point to point. The tether must be 15 feet in length or four times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, whichever is greater.

(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly allow, condone, or participate in the tethering of a dog under any of the following conditions:

(1) Between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(1) If the dog is sick or injured.

(3) If the dog is “in heat.”

(2) If the dog is under the age of four months.

(5) If the dog is tethered in a manner that is reasonably likely to cause the dog’s injury, strangulation or entanglement on fences, trees, or other physical obstacles.

(6) During the effective period for a hurricane warning tropical storm warning issued for the area by the National Weather Service.

(7) During a heat advisory issued by a local or state authority.

(8) When the actual or effective outdoor temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

(9) During the effective period for a severe weather warning issued for the area by the National Weather Service, including a winter storm, tornado, or severe thunderstorm warning.

(c) Unless an animal warden, having inspected the animal’s individual circumstances in sections 7-9, has determined to the animal to be safe from predators and well suited and well equipped to tolerate its environment.

(d) For the purposes of this ordinance, an animal is determined to be safe from predators when tethered during the allowed tethering hours.

(e) The city’s animal warden, deputy animal wardens, and police officers shall enforce this ordinance.

(f) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Any person who subsequently violates the provisions of this section for the same animal shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and the dog may be seized pursuant to Section 3.2-6569 of Code of Virginia as an animal that has been cruelly treated and the court may order the dog forfeited to the city to be disposed of by the city pursuant to subsection D of Section 3.2-6546 of the Code of Virginia.