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.

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Raleigh's dog-tethering ordinance takes effect

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.