A new anti-tethering ordnance imposed on the city of Detroit states that no dog shall remain tethered outdoors for more than 3 consecutive hours in a single day. Violations carry fines up to $500 and the risk of losing your pet on the third offense. Similar to other tethering restrictions across the country, the ordnance also bans heavy, steel-coated chains and requires that the dogs have access to water, food, shade and shelter.
As part of the ordinance, no dog owner shall:
- Continuously tether a dog for more than three hours per day.
- Tether a dog using a tether made of anything but a coated steel cable at any length less than three times the length of the dog measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.
- Use a tether or any assembly or attachments that amount to more than 10% of the dog’s weight or that significantly inhibit the movement of the dog within the tethered area.
- Attach a dog to a tether by means of any implement other than a buckle-type collar or harness, so as to risk injury, strangulation, or entanglement of the dog on fences, trees, or other obstacles.
- Tether a dog without access to shade when sunlight is likely to cause overheating or without access to appropriate shelter for insulation and protection against cold and dampness when the atmospheric temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Tether a dog without securing its food and water source to prevent its being tipped over or spilled by the tether.
- Tether a dog in an open area that does not provide the dog protection from attack from people or other animals.
- Tether a dog in an area composed entirely of bare earth subject to becoming wet and muddy in the event of precipitation, and without any dry surface area for cover or protection.
- Tether a dog under four months old.
- Tether more than one dog to a single tether.
- Tether a dog to a stationary object that would allow the dog to come within five feet of any property line.
- Tether a dog without a swivel attached or equipped at both ends.
Supporters of the bill say that the new restrictions will greatly improve the lives of Detroit’s dogs.
The Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society plans to help Detroit dog owners comply with the new law by providing proper equipment such as coated steel cables with swivel attachments, dog houses, no-tip water and food bowls, and enclosures or fencing.
To request assistance, please call MACS at 313-891-7188 or email info@macsshelter.org.
H/T to Fox 2 Detroit
Featured Image via Facebook/C.H.A.I.N.E.D.
