New Middletown, Ohio

505.072 TETHERING ANIMALS.

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

(1)   For more than six (6) hours total in a twenty-four (24) hour period and not more than two (2) consecutive hours with no less than a one (1) hour period between tetherings;

(2)   Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

(3)   If a heat or cold advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

(4)   If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;      

(5)   If the tether is less than twenty (20) feet in length;

(6)   If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public property;

(7)   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;

(8)   If the tether may cause injury or entanglement;

(9)   If the animal is not provided with a sanitary environment that is free of an accumulation of feces or other waste and insect or rodent infestation and of foul odor;

(10)   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;

(11)   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)   Nothing in this section shall prohibit the tethering of a dog that is in the immediate proximity of its owner or custodian, in a manner that does not cause discomfort, pain or injury to the dog. (d)   Whoever violates this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first offense, a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the second offense, and a misdemeanor of the first 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.