Bristol, Tennessee

Sec.10-46 – Tethering of dogs.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether a dog unless:

(1) The weight of the tether is less than one-eighth of the body weight of the dog; and

(2) The tether is of such length as to allow the dog to move a distance of at least 12 feet from the stationary object to which the tether is affixed as measured along a horizontal plane at ground level from the base of the stationary object; and is further placed in such a manner and location as to prevent the dog or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from extending over an object or in any other manner that could result in injury of the animal; and

(3) The tether, if attached to a stationary object that allows 360 degree access around said stationary object by the dog, is equipped on the tethered end with a swivel or similar device that prevents the tether from wrapping around the stationary object so as to reduce the free movement of the dog; and

(4) The tether is attached to a properly applied buckle-type (nonchoke) collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the dog from injury; and

(5) The tethering system allows the dog reasonable freedom of movement and access to adequate food, water, shade, dry ground and shelter; and

(6) The tethering system restricts the dog to the owner’s property in the absence of consent of the property owner upon which the tether extends.

(b) No dog shall be tethered if:

(1) It is less than six months of age; or

(2) It is a female dog in heat; or

(3) The health or safety of the dog would be endangered due to: (i) extreme weather conditions; or (ii) the dog’s illness or injury.

(c) (1) Beginning August 1, 2020, no dog shall be tethered between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., unless the owner of the dog has obtained a permit from the city manager that allows tethering between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(2) Such a permit may be issued:

a. To an owner who demonstrates a need for the permit based on their current work schedule. This permit will designate a specific eight-hour period in each 24-hour day when the dog owner is unable to tether the dog.

b. To an owner of sporting or hunting dogs, actually used (or intended to be used) to hunt game under a valid hunting license during the then present year or the year previous, when training or hardening toward such activity requires that the dogs be kept outside during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This permit will designate a specific eight-hour period in each 24-hour day when the dog owner is unable to tether the dog.

(3) The city manager is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to make effective the provisions of this section.