ANTI-CRUELTY CONDITIONS FOR DOGS
ANIMAL SERVICES DIVISION
Issued by:
Regulation 5-01
Effective
Executive Regulation regarding animal tethering, transport and shelter.
Section 5-201 (b)
1.0 Tethering of dogs prohibited conduct:
A person must not tether a dog under circumstances that endanger its health, safety, or well being, including:
A. tethering a dog by any means other than a harness;
B. tethering a dog between the hours of
C. unattended tethering of a dog during a weather emergency, or a dog-control emergency;
D. using a tether that weighs more that 1/8 of the dog's body weight;
E. using a tether that is less than five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip or its nose to the base of the tail;
F. tethering that unreasonable limits a dog's movement;
G. tethering under conditions where the dog or tether can become entangled on the tether or some other object;
H. tethering that restricts a dog's access to suitable and sufficient food, water and shelter.
I tethering in unsafe or unsanitary conditions;
J. tethering that does not allow a dog to defecate or urinates in an area separate from the area;
K. tethering that causes injury, stress or demonstrable socialization problems;
2.0 Transporting dogs in open bed vehicles:
Dogs which are transported on or in the back of trucks or other open-bed vehicles must either be cross-tether red or confined in a suitable cage made of wood, wire or plastic to prevent them from departing the vehicle while it is in motion. The cage must be anchored or tethered to prevent movement while in motion.
3.0 Shelter or protection from the weather for outdoor dogs.
Dog houses are considered shelter or protection from the weather provided the dog house:
A. is constructed of solid wood, fiberglass or other weather-resistant material (excluding metal);
B. is at least 2" off the ground, with a solid, level floor;
C. does not contain cracks or openings other than the entrance;
D. has a protected entrance or offset to act as a windbreak with a flexible flap made of wind-proof material when temperatures are below 45 degrees;
E has an overhang on the roof;
F. contains non-absorbent bedding such as wood chips or straw; and;
G. is sufficiently large that the dog is able to stand up and turn around while inside but is sized to all the dog to warm the interior or the structure and retain body heat.
II Shade must be available to outdoor dogs at all times from sources other than a dog house.
III Garages, sheds and screened or enclosed porches and alcoves may be considered shelter provided that:
A. during spring and summer, the structure is ventilated so as to provide movement of air;
B. in a heated structure during fall and winter, an area must be provided for the dog that contains bedding (blankets or wood chips) sufficient to keep the pet insulated from the floor.
C. in an unheated structure during fall and winter, an enclosure must be provided consisting of four walls and a top (which my be an igloo type house) and is sufficiently large that the dog is able to stand up and turn around while inside; said enclosure is for the purpose of retaining body heat of the do. Bedding must also be provided.
IV. Any time that a dog is left outside, tethered or not, and the owner is absent form the property, a suitable structure (dog house, shed, screened porch, alcove or working pet door) must be provided as shelter for the dog, and if tethered, the tether must be positioned so the dog may enter the structure easily.