Moundsville, WV Regulated Tethering Ordinance

Type: Ordinance

Status: Adopted

Source File: http://www.fohowv.com/pdf%20files/Moundsville%20Tethering%20Ord.pdf

Text:

Regulated Tethering Ordinance
No person shall tether an animal:

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

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

c. With a fixed point chain or to any stationary object.

d. After dark and before 6 AM

e. Within 500 feet of a school

f. That is under 6 months of age.

g. That is sick or injured.

CONFINEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Though highly discouraged, tethering is only acceptable during the permitted hours by the following methods.

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

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The cable run must be at least ten (10) feet in length and mounted at least four (4) feet and no more than seven (7) feet above ground level.

5. 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.

6. 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 heat of the dog to be retained in cold weather.

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

8. The 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.

9. 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.

10. Metal drums shall not be considered shelter.

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

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

Pens, fences or other such enclosures must:

h. Allow a minimum of 150 square feet of area for each dog.

i. Provide sufficient shade to allow the dog to be out of the direct rays of the sun when sunlight is likely to cause overheating or discomfort. The inside of the dog house does not qualify as sufficient shade.

j. Maintained in a clean manner and kept free from accumulated feces and debris.

k. Provide shelter as defined in the Confinement Requirements

Food and water:

l. Potable water must be available at all times.

m. It must not be allowed to freeze without replacement.

n. The food and water container must be placed out of the sun.

o. Food and water is to be provided in a clean container and situated or fastened in such a manner to prevent overturning.

p. Food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the daily requirements for the condition and size of the dog.