Raleigh's dog-tethering ordinance takes effect Wednesday

Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh ordinance regulating the unattended restraint of dogs goes into effect Wednesday.

Under the measure, a dog cannot be tied outdoors on a rope, chain or other line meant to restrain for more than three hours total during a 24-hour period.

Violators would be charged with a misdemeanor and be could be subject to a civil fine of $100 per day for each violation.

The City Council passed the measure in March with the goal of preventing dogs from being left exposed to harsh weather conditions without shelter, without food and water, as well as to prevent the possibility of strangling.

Any device used to tether a dog must be at least 10 feet long and attached in a way to prevent strangulation or other injury to the dog or entanglement with objects.

The device, which must attach to a buckle-type collar or body harness, also cannot weigh more than 10 percent of the dog’s body weight and must allow the dog access to food and water.

Clayton, Chapel Hill, Orange County and Durham County have adopted similar regulations. Chapel Hill and Durham County's ordinances go into effect Jan. 1.

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Latest Comments

I love being outside too, but that doesn't mean I should live out there full time.......mocena

Mocena = person (people live inside)......Dog = animal (animals live outside)

I guess some of you people would rather see dogs crated indoors for long periods of time instead of free to run around on a lead and enjoying being outside.

If you don't like what I do with MY dog, then, by all means, please send me some money to pay for training or to buy a fence. Oh, I guess I should have let her be put down instead bringing her into my family where she is treated like the pet that she is.

KniftyKnitter
July 1, 2009 1:28 p.m.

I have been looking for this law to be passed for many years!! However, now there is another issue which authorities have to address next: owners keeping dogs in pens too small to move around in for their size. I'm afraid we will see more of this soon. As for anti-dog or anti-animal people- what about dogs that save lives? Ever thought how it would feel to be chained up, seeing a house burning, and barking at the top of your lungs to alert your owners and they just tell you to shut up? It happened when I was a young girl- the owners never chained him up again afer they realized what was going on. Just don't get a dog to tie him up and say, "hey,I have a dog". It is a life- one God gave all of us, including animals- be appreciative of them;look for abusers, don't be one yourself.

catlady
July 1, 2009 11:04 a.m.

Kudos to the Raleigh City Council. There are dogs who live their entire lives on chains to the point that chains have been seen to grow into their necks. It is time for this stop. Next we need to tax the irresponsible dog (and cat) owners who allow their pets to breed constantly and fill up our animal shelters. Who do you think pays the huge amount of taxes to support the Wake County Animal Center? And to kill the many unwanted animals. You and Me.

Febe
June 30, 2009 7:27 p.m.

I wonder if this will apply to Garner. My neighbor has two dogs always leashed on less than 10 feet. All weather always outside, they bark and howl at any given opportunity.

bleth
June 30, 2009 5:14 p.m.

Wonder how many wild dogs will be let loose because of this? I'm guessing it will be a much bigger issue than anyone thought of!