Chattanooga, Tennessee

Sec. 7-2. Definitions.

“Adequate space” means sufficient space to allow each animal to (i) easily stand sit, lie, turn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal and (ii) interact safely with other animals in the enclosure.

When an animal is tethered, “adequate space” means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age and size of the animal; is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least three times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to accepted veterinary standards for the species is considered provision of adequate space. Provided, however, that no animal shall be tethered for more than twelve (12) hours in a twenty-four (24) hour period.

Sec.7-37 – Tethering dogs and other animals.

(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to tie or tether a dog or other animal to a stationary object for more than a reasonable period of time or in a location so as to create an unhealthy situation for the animal or a potentially dangerous situation for a pedestrian as determined by an Animal Services Officer.

(b) The terms “unhealthy situation” and “potentially dangerous situation” shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(1) Tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain an animal, or cause an animal to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object for longer than a reasonable time;

(2) Tether any animal in such a manner as to permit the animal to leave the owner’s property;

(3) Tether any animal in an area that is not properly fenced so as to prevent any person or child from entering the area occupied by said animal;

(4) Tether any animal in a manner or location whereby the animal is subject to harassment or numerous stings or bites from outdoor insects or to attacks by other animals;

(5) Fail to remove waste from the tethered area on a daily basis;

(6) Allow more than one (1) animal to be tethered to each running cable or trolley line;

(7) Use a tether that weighs more than one-fifth (⅕) of the animal’s body weight;

(8) Tether, chain, or attach to a running cable line or trolley system any animal at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;

(9) Use a running cable line or trolley system that is made of a substance which can be chewed by the animal;

(10) Use a tether from the running cable line or trolley system to the animal’s collar that prohibits access to food, water, and shelter as well as access to the maximum available area for adequate exercise;

(11) Tether an animal in any manner other than by using a properly fitted harness or collar. Said harness or collar shall not be the same one used for the display of current rabies and/or license tags; and

(12) Tether an animal in a manner or location that would allow for (i) the tangling of the cable or tether; (ii) the extension of the cable or tether over an object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation of the animal; or (iii) access by the animal to a fence.

(c) A person may do any of the following, provided the dog does not become a nuisance to neighbors:

(1) Attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system, provided that the dog is not attached by means of a choke collar or pinch collar or for longer than a reasonable period;

(2) Tether, fasten, chain, tie, or otherwise restrain a dog pursuant to the requirements of a recreational area;

(3) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable time; or

(4) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by the State of Tennessee if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a person from restraining a dog while participating in said activity or using accommodations that are reasonably associated with the licensed activity.