Easthampton, Massachusetts

May 18, 2011

Dogs may not be tethered for longer than eight hours in any 24-hour period, and they may be tethered only when certain conditions are met.
Section 11-18. Prolonged Chaining, Tethering, and Confinement of Dogs
a. Prolonged Chaining or Tethering of Dogs. No person owning or keeping a dog in the City shall chain or tether a dog for longer than 8 continuous hours during any twenty-four hour period. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a person from walking a dog on a hand-held leash. It shall be lawful for a responsible party to tether a dog while outdoors when all of the following conditions are met:

1. The dog must be wearing a suitable collar (no pinch collars) when connected to the tether.
2. The tether must be appropriate to the age and size of the dog and be long enough to allow the dog ample movement.
3. The dog is tethered in such a manner as to prevent injury, strangulation, or entanglement.
4. The dog is not outside during a period of extreme weather. Arctic breeds and other dogs with a double-layered coat, bred to live in an arctic climate, may be out in suitable freezing temperatures.
5. The dog is always within reach of drinking water and has access to dry ground.
6. The dog is not sick or injured.
7. If there are multiple dogs, each dog is tethered separately.