Grapevine, Texas

Sec. 6-14. – Animal care and safety.

(h) A person commits an offense if they use a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. This does not prevent a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash. It is a defense to prosecution that:

(1) The dog is being tethered during a lawful animal event, veterinary treatment, grooming, training, or law enforcement activity; or

(2) The dog tethering is required to protect the safety or welfare of a person or the dog, and the dog’s owner maintains direct physical control of the dog; or

(3) A dog restrained in compliance with the requirements of a camping or recreational area as defined by a federal, state, or local authority or jurisdiction; or

(4) A dog restrained for a reasonable period, not to exceed three hours in a 24-hour period, and no longer than is necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained; or

(5) The dog tethering:

a. Occurs while the dog is within the owner’s direct physical control; and

b. Prevents the dog from advancing to the edge of any public right-of-way

c. Does not occur between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

d. Does not occur within 500 feet of the premises of a school

e. Does not occur in cases of extreme weather conditions, including when the actual or effective outdoor temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, a heat advisory has been issued, or a hurricane, tornado, tropical storm watch or warning has been issued for the jurisdiction

(i) The defenses under subsection (h) are only available if the following specifications are met:

(1) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is attached to a properly fitted collar (not including pinch-type, prong-type, choke-type) or harness worn by the dog;

(2) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is not placed directly around the dog’s neck;

(3) The length of the chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device is no less than the greater of ten feet or five times the length of the dog from nose to tail base;

(4) The chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device, by design and placement, allows the dog a reasonable and unobstructed range of motion without entanglement; and

(5) The dog has access to adequate shelter, as defined by this section, and clean and wholesome water.