St. Joseph, Missouri

Sec. 5-107. – Unlawful restraint of a dog; tethering.

(a) Definitions. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Choke collar is a collar (as defined below) made of metal or other rigid links designed to control an animal by tightening around the animal’s neck or appendage and drawing tighter as pressure is exerted.

Collar means any device constructed of nylon, leather, metal, or similar material, and used for restraint of an animal by the animal’s neck or an appendage.

Prong collar is collar made of metal or other rigid links with a series of sharp links, or prongs, with blunted points designed to control an animal by tightening around the animal’s neck or appendage and drawing the blunted points to the animal when pressure is exerted.

Tether means the fastening of an animal to a fixed object, stake, or trolley system using a collar or similar device as a means of keeping the animal within a limited area.

(b) Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful to tether a dog or similar house-pet outdoors, except under the following circumstances:

(1) No animal may be tethered between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

(2) No animal may be tethered as a primary method of restraining the animal.

(3) No animal may be tethered for longer than 30 minutes unless the animal has been provided with adequate food, water, and shelter suitable for the species, age, and condition of the animal and the weather conditions.

(4) A tethered animal must be supervised by a competent person physically present on the property and responsible for the care of the animal.

(5) A tethered animal must be over six months of age.

(6) A tethered animal must not be tethered outdoors in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures over 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or in other weather conditions that could likely cause harm to the animal.

(7) A tethered animal must be tethered using a properly-fitted collar that measures the circumference of the animal’s neck with additional space to place at least two adult fingers.

(8) No animal may be tethered using a choke or prong collar.

(9) A tethered animal must be tethered using a collar or other tether device designed for the animal and weighing no more than one-eighth of the animal’s weight.

(10) A tethered animal must be tethered using tethering devices that are unbroken and free of tangles and provide the animal with the ability to extend from the fixed point of the tether by at least three times the length of the animal (from nose to base of tail) or at least six feet, whichever is greater.

(11) A tethered animal must be placed where the animal cannot be in danger of being strangled or hung, including in areas that are free of dangerous debris and obstacles.

(c) Penalty. A person who violates a provision of this section may be found guilty of animal neglect or animal abuse and a violation of Section 5-1 of this chapter.