If you have a pet and are coming to the Triangle, you may not realize that you need to take note about whether you can tether your dog. In some Triangle communities, ordinances either restrict the kinds of ropes or chains that can be used or the amount of time an animal can be tied up. Several groups have successfully lobbied local governments to ban tying up dogs outside, saying that the practice can create problem barkers and/or that it is cruel.
Here is a quick summary of what currently exists:
Durham County – Dog owners are prohibited from tying up or chaining their pets outdoors. This condition also applies to residents of Clayton in Johnston County.
Orange County – The county limits tethering to three hours in a 24-hour period.
Chapel Hill – You are allowed to use a tether no shorter than 10 feet on your pet. The city and its sister town, Carrboro, both require chains or ropes designed to prevent choking to be used.
Carrboro – The minimum length allowed for a tether is 15 feet.
Raleigh – The Raleigh City Council has instructed City Attorney Thomas McCormick to review all the other anti-tethering ordinances in the Triangle and craft a law based on what has worked in those communities. Adopting such an ordinance would not require the City Council to hold a public hearing.
Wake County – Currently there are no anti-tethering ordinances.
These ordinances obviously are in flux, so we will update you if and when any major alterations occur. Till then, your best bet is to keep your dog indoors if possible and take him or her out on a walk when you can.
I have seen a whole lot of animal abuse because they have been tethered to where the chain has grown into their skin. Anyone who does this to any animal should have it done to them so they can see how it feels! Remember, God created them, just like He made us!
Posted by: Faye McDaniel | January 26, 2009 at 10:53 PM