Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania

Article II Tethering of Dogs

§ 105-9 Prohibited acts.

It shall be a violation of this article for any person to tether a dog outside if any of the following conditions apply:

A. The tether is not attached to the dog by a non-choke-type collar of the proper size for the dog, and not attached to a stationary object by swivel anchors, latches, or similar devices in a manner which prevents the tether from becoming entangled around any object so as to limit the dog’s freedom within the tethered area, or to prevent the dog, or any of its appendages, from becoming entangled by the tether.

B. The dog does not have easy access to clean drinking water and adequate shade and/or shelter within the tethered area.

C. The dog is tethered outdoors and unattended during any period in which a severe weather warning has been issued for York County by the National Weather Service. “Outside,” for purposes of this section, shall mean any unattended dog that is outside and subject to the weather and elements, which expressly includes, but not be limited to, a dog in a securely fenced-in yard, a dog in a kennel, or a dog tethered or tied-out. The dog shall be considered “outside” regardless of access to an outdoor doghouse or similar structure.

D. The dog is tethered outdoors and unattended for a continuous period of time greater than 1/2 hour if the temperature during such period remains entirely either below 32° Fahrenheit or above 90° Fahrenheit. “Outside,” for purposes of this section, shall mean any unattended dog that is outside and subject to the weather and elements, which expressly includes, but not be limited to, a dog in a securely fenced-in yard, a dog in a kennel, or a dog tethered or tied-out. The dog shall be considered “outside” regardless of access to an outdoor doghouse or similar structure.

E. The dog is left tethered outside between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

F. The dog shows signs of physical distress such as shivering, shaking, excessive panting or immobility.

G. A dog is tethered that is under the age of six months.