City bans tethering-New ordinance requires dogs to be inside house or pen

[The Straight Story]

City bans tethering

New ordinance requires dogs to be inside house or pen

Olney, Ill. —

Olney City Council passed an ordinance at its meeting Monday that will prohibit tethering dogs in the city.

The ordinance, set to go into effect next spring, prohibits tethering except for certain instances, such as “walking a dog using a leash; or tethering of a dog while at a lawful and organized animal function, such as hunting, obedience training, field and water training, performance and conformation events, or law enforcement training, or while in the pursuit of working or competing in those endeavors.”

The issue had been discussed previously by the council but never acted upon. It was brought before the council again Monday by Councilman Gary Foster. He said city representatives were supposed to meet with State’s Attorney David Hyde and Richland County Board member Melinda Hunt, but this has not happened. He did not think the city needed such a meeting in order to proceed with the ordinance.

Foster asked about a section in the ordinance stating that if the animal-control officer or a law-enforcement officer finds a violation that has resulted in the animal being in imminent danger. He wondered if a dog could be impounded if terms could not be reached with the owner.

City Attorney Larry Taylor said that ultimately, yes, but tickets or warnings would be issued initially. If an owner continued to refuse to remedy the situation, then the animal could be impounded. Those found to be in violation of the ordinance will face a first-time fine of not less than $60. Repeat offenses within a one year period could lead to a fine of $750 for conviction of a fifth offense.

http://www.olneydailymail.com/highlight/x205735815/City-bans-tethering

[goddess40]

1. good call, dogs that are tied out are at risk

We always put up a fence when we move, a real one not the electric type. A dog that is tied out can easily be attacked by a stray.

[hlthe2b]

2. good in theory, but does this outlaw tethering momentarily...

while the owner runs in to buy a newspaper or a cup of coffee? Sundays are amusing in the areas around where I live, since nearly every coffee shop has a dozen or more dogs tied to the lamp posts or newspaper dispensers, trees, or chairs. While you might see them let out an occasional bark when a newcomer doggy arrives, they are so amusingly well behaved that people often pull out the cameras and video. Sunday morning social hour extending to the poochies. Yet, technically I'm told there is some ordinance that outlaws that in Denver as well, though I think any animal control officer that showed up would be ridden out of town on a rail (and they likely know that).

Again, the dogs tethered in yards with no shade, water, food, shelter should be helped by this ordinance and I very much support that. 'Just wondering where the lines are drawn. :shrug:

[SoCalDem]

3. The article said it excluded "temporary" tethering..like with leashes

when being walked etc..


I actually agree with this ordinance
If you don't have a fenced yard, keep your dog indoors..tying a dog outside is a sure way to get a mean/unhappy dog,,and perhaps a lawsuit..

[hlthe2b]

6. Yes. I agree...

Having reported cruelty cases before having to do with neglected dogs tied in the back yard, this is a good move.

[Lyric]

4. Good! Life on a chain is cruel.

Our Golden Retriever lives inside--it doesn't matter that he sheds thickly and tends to "tornado" whenever he gets excited. He's a member of our family and he has the same needs for comfort, warmth, and companionship that WE do. He's not a lawn ornament to be ignored whenever his behaviors and characteristics are an inconvenience. Babies and toddlers are inconvenient too--we don't chain them outside for crying, breaking things, or wetting themselves.

:shrug:

[aikoaiko]

5. Some dogs can't be fenced in.

Tethering on a run was the only way to make sure one of mine stayed put.

[hlthe2b]

7. There ought to be waivers for certain special circumstances...

[flvegan]

8. They usually make exceptions for dog runs for that very reason.

And rightly so.