Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Sec. 6-24. – Animal care.

(4) Tether.

1. Pet tethering. For purposes of this subsection, “tether” means a cable, cord, or similar device used to attach an animal to a stationary device, but does not include chains.

2. No person shall allow any animal to remain confined in such a manner as to unreasonably restrict the animal’s ability to move.

3. No person shall allow any dog to remain tethered unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:

a. The tether is not unreasonably heavy in proportion to the weight of the animal.

b. A swivel is located at both ends of the tether and the tether is free of tangles.

c. The collar on the animal to which the swivel is attached is properly fitted and is a collar that is commonly recognized as a pet collar (choke and pinch collars are not permitted).

d. The tether is not less than 15 feet in length.

e. Chains shall be prohibited for use as a tethering device.

f. The animal is not outside during a period of extreme weather, including without limitation a heat index of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above as determined by the National Weather Service, freezing temperatures at 31 degrees or below, thunderstorms, or tornadoes.

g. The animal has access to water, shelter, and dry grounds at all times, and has access to adequate food.

h. The animal is at least six months of age and has a current rabies vaccination.

i. The animal is not sick, injured, or in heat (estrus).

j. Pulley, running line, or trolley systems are at least 15 feet in length and are not less than six feet above ground.

k. If there are multiple animals, each animal must be tethered separately.

l. The tethering device shall allow the tethered dog to lie down comfortably at all positions of tether.