Raleigh passes dog tethering ordinance

Raleigh, N.C. — The Raleigh City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday regulating the unattended restraint or tethering of dogs, Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker said.

The ordinance, which takes effect July 1, makes it illegal for a dog to be tethered for more than three hours total during a 24-hour period.

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 can’t weigh more than 10 percent of the dog’s body weight and must allow the dog access to food and water.

The tethering line must be attached with a buckle-type collar or body harness.

Those found in violation will be charged with a misdemeanor and face a civil penalty of $100 per day for each violation.