Tethering/Chaining
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Sec. 6-57. – Adequate space for animals; time restriction on tethering dogs.
(b) When a dog is tethered, the term “adequate space” means a tether that permits the above actions and is appropriate to the age and size of the dog. The tether must be attached to the dog by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the dog from injury and prevent the dog or the tether from becoming entangled with other objects or dogs, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the dog. Furthermore, the tether must be at least three times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the dog is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the dog, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the dog according to professionally accepted standards is considered to be provision of adequate space.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any dog to be tethered for more than nine hours, cumulatively in any 24-hour period.