Little Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

§ 134-13 Tethering restricted.

A. It shall be unlawful to chain or tether unneutered or unspayed dogs in any manner within the Township.

B. It shall be unlawful to chain or tether sick or injured dogs.

C. Neutered or spayed dogs may be tethered; such tethering may only be performed if the following conditions are met:

(1) Dogs may be tethered for no more than six consecutive hours on any day and never between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(2) Dogs may not be tethered at vacant or unoccupied structures. A competent adult must be present at the property for the duration of any dog tethering.

(3) The tether must be at least 15 feet long and have a functioning swivel on both ends.

(4) The tether may weigh no more than 1/8 of the dog’s weight.

(5) The tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness. The use of training collars, choke chains, prong collars, slip collars or any other type of collar which tightens as the dog pulls is prohibited for the purpose of connection of a dog to a tether.

(6) The area accessible by the dog on a tether must be free from possible entanglements, including but not limited to trees, poles, stakes or fences.

(7) The tether must not allow a dog within five feet of any potentially dangerous places or obstructions such as pools, walls, vehicles, roadways, trees or any other objects upon which an animal could harm itself.

(8) Multiple dogs may not be tethered within the same yard unless the tethers are configured such that they shall not become entangled.

D. The yard inside which a dog is tethered must be equipped with a suitable shelter:

(1) Dog shelters shall be of a size such that the dog can stand or lay comfortably within the shelter.

(2) Dog shelters shall be weatherproof and ventilated.

(3) Dog shelters shall be made of solid materials with a solid floor raised at least two inches from the ground.

(4) Dog shelters shall be equipped with bedding material consisting of hay, straw or their equivalent.

(5) Clean drinking water shall be available as a liquid. Snow or ice is not a suitable alternative for water.