Warren County, Virginia

§ 66-6.1 Tethering restrictions for dogs and other canines.

This section is passed pursuant to Va. Code § 3.2-6543 et seq. which authorizes localities to pass ordinances preventing cruelty to animals.

A. “Tether” shall mean, when used as a noun, any device, including, but not limited to, a chain, leash, cable, tie-down, or tie-out, attached to a stationary point or object, trolley or run used to contain or restrain a dog or other canine (as used in this section, “canine” shall mean a hybrid of the domestic dog and any other species of the Canidae family). When used as a verb, “tether” shall mean to attach such a device to a dog or other canine.

B. No person shall tether or cause to be tethered any dog or other canine except when the tether meets the following conditions:

(1) Appropriate to the age and size of the dog or other canine, and the tether shall weigh no more than 10% of the animal’s weight;

(2) Attached to the dog or other canine by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the dog or other canine from injury and prevent the dog or other canine or 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 dog or other canine;

(3) At least three times the length of the dog or other canine, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the dog or other canine is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line; and

(4) Utilized for farming activities as provided under Code of Virginia Title 3.2.

C. It shall be unlawful for a person to tether any dog or other canine:

(1) When the dog or other canine is four months old or younger;

(2) When the dog or other canine is a female in estrus;

(3) When the temperature is less than 32° F. or greater than 90° F. unless the dog or other canine is provided adequate shelter under Virginia Code § 3.2-6500;

(4) If the tether weighs more than 10% of the dog’s or other canine’s body weight;

(5) On the same tether concurrently with another dog or canine; or

(6) For longer than 12 hours in any twenty-four-hour period on a movable tether such as a cable run or for longer than four hours in any twenty-four-hour period on a fixed tether.

D. Any person found to be in violation of the section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500. Nothing contained in this section shall be interpreted as limiting the authority of any animal control officer or other law enforcement officer to seize the unlawfully tethered dog or other canine pursuant to his or her authority under Virginia Code § 3.2-6569.