Lyndhurst, Ohio

November 19, 2012

Dogs may not be tethered for more than six hours in a 24-hour period or during severe weather.

618.021 Tethering Animals
(a) No person shall tether an animal in any of the following circumstances:

(1) For more than 6 hours total in a 24-hour period and not more than 2 consecutive hours with no less than a one-half hour period between tetherings;
(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 10 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 Section 618.05;
(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; or
(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 misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the first offense, a misdemeanor of the third degree on the second offense, and a misdemeanor of the second 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.
SECTION 2. The Council finds and determines that all formal actions of this Council relating to the adoption of this Ordinance have been taken at open meetings of this Council; and that deliberations of this Council and of its committees, resulting in such formal action, took place in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all statutory requirements including the requirements of Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
SECTION 3. This Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure for the immediate preservation of the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Lyndhurst because it will provide added protection to the residents of the City and their animals. Therefore, this Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon the affirmative vote of not less than five (5) members elected to Council, and signature by the Mayor, or otherwise at the earliest time allowed by law.