Moundsville, West Virginia

505.04. RESTRAINT.

(a) No person shall tether, chain, tie, or confine an unattended animal outside under any of the following conditions:

1. When the outside temperature is equal to or greater than 85 degrees Fahrenheit or equal to or less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In such a manner as to cause injury, strangulation or entanglement of the animal on fences, trees or other man-made or natural obstacles.

3. With a fixed point chain or to any stationary object. However, this prohibition does not apply to a temporary restraint for necessary time periods for the animal to have a bathroom break or in an emergency situation.

4. After dark and before 6 a.m.

5. Within 25 feet of a school during school hours.

6. That is under 6 months of age.

7. That is sick or injured.

(b) Confinement Requirements. Though highly discouraged, tethering is only acceptable during the permitted hours by the following methods:

1. Dogs may be restrained by means of a trolley type system or a tether attached to a pulley on a cable run, provided:

A. Only one dog may be tethered to each cable run.

B. The tether must be attached to a properly fitted buckle type collar or a harness. Choke, prong or pinch collars shall not be used to tether a dog to a cable run. A swivel must be on each end of the tether to prevent twisting and tangling.

C. The tether and cable must be of adequate size and strength to effectively restrain the dog and must not be of excessive size or weight considering the age, size, and health of the dog. Maximum weight limit of the tether, including any assembly or attachments thereto, shall be no more than 1/8 the weight of the dog.

D. The cable run must be at least ten (10) feet in length and mounted to at least four (4) feet and not more than seven (7) feet above ground level.

E. The length of the tether from the cable run to the animal’s collar must be of such length that the dog is able to move 10 feet away from the cable perpendicularly and should allow continuous access to water and shelter. The cable system must be of the appropriate configuration to confine the animal to the owner’s property, to prevent the tether from extending over an object or an edge that could result in injury or strangulation and to prevent the tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals. The tether must be long enough for the animal to move around and be able to urinate or defecate in an area separate from where it must eat, drink or lie down. The tether must allow the animal convenient access to food, water, dry ground or shelter. No vegetation or obstacles can restrict the movement of the animal on the tether.

F. The dog must have a shelter which is defined as having 4 sides, a roof and a solid floor and be of the appropriate size for the animal. The dog must be able to easily stand, sit, lie down, turn around and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal. It must be wind and moisture proof and of proportionate size to allow the natural body hear of the dog to be retained in cold weather.

G. The shelter must have an entry way to allow the animal to easily enter and exit; the entry way must have a flap which blocks any inclement weather from entering (wind, rain, snow, etc.)

H. The shelter floor shall be raised at least 2 inches above the ground and be free of cracks, holes or protruding nails or rough edges that could cause injury.

I. The shelter shall be maintained and cleaned regularly. The area around the shelter shall be kept clean of accumulated feces, garbage and any other debris.

J. Metal drums shall not be considered shelter.

K. Straw, cedar chips or such like material shall be provided inside the dog house and the surrounding area.

L. The shelter shall be placed in an area that provides protection from the direct rays of the sun, when sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort.