Constantly tied-up outside, dogs become lonely, bored, and anxious, and often suffer from lack of proper food and shelter as well. They can also develop aggressive behaviors.
The good news is that as communities learn about the negative impact of chaining or tethering dogs, many have begun passing laws against long-‐term chaining.
Mount Pleasant recently passed an ordinance that prohibits chaining or tethering of dogs.
Below is the ordinance wording to help those who are chaining their dogs comply with the ordinance.
(A) A person commits an offense if he uses a chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device to attach a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. This section does not prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
(B) It is a defense to prosecution under this section 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. the dog tethering is due to force majeure and the dog is tethered for less than one hour within a twenty-four period; or
4. the dog tethering:
a. occurs while the dog is within the owners direct physical control; and
b. prevents the dog from advancing to the edge of any public right of way
(C) Outdoor kennels used to house and contain an animal must be at a minimum no less than 50 square feet per animal providing for adequate movement of each animal. Nursing animals under 3 months of age may be kenneled together.
Animal Control Officers are enforcing the dog tethering city ordinance. Complaints will be addressed and we are giving dog owners time and consideration to comply with the tethering law.
Non-responsible dog ownership is a problem that we are working on. Please report illegal tethering to the shelter at 903-575-4174 and they will make contact with the pet owner.
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