Danville, Virginia

Sec. 5-25. Adequate space for animals; time restriction on tethering companion animals.

(a) It shall be unlawful to fail to provide any animal with adequate space. “Adequate space” means sufficient space to allow each animal to:

(1) Easily stand, sit, lie, turn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal; and

(2) Interact safely with other animals in the enclosure.

(b) When a companion animal is tethered, “adequate space” means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age and size of the companion animal. The tether must be attached to the companion animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the companion animal from injury and prevent the companion animal or the 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 companion animal. Furthermore, the tether must be at least three (3) times the length of the companion animal, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the companion animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the companion animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the companion animal according to professionally accepted standards is considered to be provision of adequate space.

(c) It shall be unlawful for any person to tether a companion animal:

(1) When the outside temperature is equal to or less than thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit, or greater than eighty-five (85) degrees Fahrenheit, or during any severe weather advisories; or

(2) In a manner as to cause injury, strangulation or entanglement of the dog on fences, trees, or other man-made or natural obstacles; or

(3) To a fixed-point;

(4) That is under four (4) months of age;

(5) That is sick or injured;

(6) That is a female in heat; or

(7) For more than two (2) hours, in any twenty-four (24) hour period.

(d) Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Any person who subsequently violates the provisions of this section for the same animal shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and the animal shall be seized.