Worcester County, Maryland

§ PS 2-101 General provisions.

b. Definitions. The following words, when used in this Subtitle, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, unless otherwise specifically defined in other parts of this Subtitle:

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TETHERED

Fastening an animal to a stationary object or stake as a means of restraining the animal.

UNSAFE WEATHER CONDITIONS

(1) A temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit or below in the immediate vicinity of an animal, in addition to other cold weather or precipitation related environmental conditions, including, but not limited to, wind, rain, snow, ice, sleet or hail that a person should reasonably conclude would pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of an animal based on the animal’s size, age, physical condition or thickness of the animal’s hair or fur, or

(2) A temperature of eighty-five degrees Fahrenheit or above in the immediate vicinity of an animal, in addition to other environmental conditions, such as direct sunlight, or hot pavement, or any other hot surface, that a person should reasonably conclude would pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of an animal, based on the animal’s size, age, physical condition or thickness of the animal’s hair or fur; or

(1) The National Weather Service issues a severe weather alert, and the forecasted weather is such that a person should reasonably conclude that the weather would pose an adverse risk to the health or safety of an animal based on the animal’s size, age, physical condition or thickness of the animal’s hair or fur.

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(v) Tethering. If an animal is tethered by a restraint, excepting periods of time that are brief and incidental, the restraint shall be not less than fifteen feet in length and positioned to prevent tangling, hanging or drowning. Chain shall not be used as a restraint. Neither chains, ropes, nor choke collars shall be accepted as collars for a tethered animal. There must be at least a one-inch space between the animal’s neck and the collar.

(1) Tethering of any animal shall be prohibited in the following instances:

A. During unsafe weather conditions.

B. During the heat cycle, gestation and lactation period of any female dog or cat.

C. On the premises of a commercial kennel.