1 ANIMAL LAW 101
1 Chaining or tethering dogs outside is restricted in many communities. by Michael Whitworth, Attorney at Law
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nti-chaining or anti-tethering laws are being enacted in states and municipalities across the country as legislators learn of the harm caused to dogs that are chained or tethered for long periods of time and also learn of the potential danger to humans who invade the dog’s small “circle of life” space. Dogs that are left unattended while chained or tethered can become tangled in their chain or tether and can get wrapped around debris to the point of not being able to move or access food, water or shelter. Dogs are unable to defend themselves. Tethering dogs by any means for long periods of time can cause anxiousness, depression and aggression. Studies and statistics have proven that a chained dog is one of the largest reasons for bite cases in the country. Many communities ban the chaining or tethering of dogs and other animals entirely. The City of Columbia passed an ordinance in 2011. It states as follows: Section 5-6 Animal abuse; unlawful impoundment; unlawful confinement (a) Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person to: (6) Tether an animal as the primary method of restraining an animal to any property; (7) Tether an animal using a choke collar; (8) Tether an animal without using a properly fitted collar or harness made of nylon or leather; or (9) Tether an animal without using a tether of appropriate length and weight for free animal movement that includes swivels at both ends. The law is very specific about what constitutes animal abuse by unlawful confinement. Section (6) makes it unlawful to tether or chain your dog as the primary method of keeping your dog confined on your property. It does not mean you can’t tether a dog for short periods of time, but rather you can’t keep the dog on a chain or tether for long portions of the day or night. 26
February/March 2014 | Pet Project Magazine
“Many communities ban the chaining or tethering of dogs and other animals entirely.” Section (7) makes it unlawful to EVER tether your dog while using a choke collar. This section is very specific and easily enforced. Section (8) makes it unlawful to ever tether your dog using any material other than leather or nylon as a collar. The collar cannot be metal or a chain. The collar must also fit properly. It must not be too tight. Section (9) requires that any time a dog is tethered, the tether must be an appropriate length (not too short), an appropriate weight (no chains and not too heavy) and must be attached at both ends with a swivel. This ordinance plainly states the requirements for legality if you tether your dog or any animal for any period of time. The easiest and best way to avoid violating this law, though, is to never chain or tether your dog. Take your dog inside your home and make him or her a true member of your family.
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Michael Whitworth is a practicing attorney and of counsel in the Columbia law firm Ford, Parshall and Baker, LLC, 573-441-5555. He has been a licensed attorney in Missouri since 1985.