[Adopted 9-10-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-10]
A.
It shall be unlawful to chain or tether unneutered or unspayed dogs
in any manner within the Township.
B.
It shall be unlawful to chain or tether sick or injured dogs.
C.
Neutered or spayed dogs may be tethered; such tethering may only
be performed if the following conditions are met:
(1)
Dogs may be tethered for no more than six consecutive hours on any
day and never between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
(2)
Dogs may not be tethered at vacant or unoccupied structures. A competent
adult must be present at the property for the duration of any dog
tethering.
(3)
The tether must be at least 15 feet long and have a functioning swivel
on both ends.
(4)
The tether may weigh no more than 1/8 of the dog's weight.
(5)
The tether must be attached to a properly fitting collar or harness.
The use of training collars, choke chains, prong collars, slip collars
or any other type of collar which tightens as the dog pulls is prohibited
for the purpose of connection of a dog to a tether.
(6)
The area accessible by the dog on a tether must be free from possible
entanglements, including but not limited to trees, poles, stakes or
fences.
(7)
The tether must not allow a dog within five feet of any potentially
dangerous places or obstructions such as pools, walls, vehicles, roadways,
trees or any other objects upon which an animal could harm itself.
(8)
Multiple dogs may not be tethered within the same yard unless the
tethers are configured such that they shall not become entangled.
D.
The yard inside which a dog is tethered must be equipped with a suitable
shelter:
(1)
Dog shelters shall be of a size such that the dog can stand or lay
comfortably within the shelter.
(2)
Dog shelters shall be weatherproof and ventilated.
(3)
Dog shelters shall be made of solid materials with a solid floor
raised at least two inches from the ground.
(4)
Dog shelters shall be equipped with bedding material consisting of
hay, straw or their equivalent.
(5)
Clean drinking water shall be available as a liquid. Snow or ice
is not a suitable alternative for water.
This article shall be enforced by the Township Animal Control
Officer and/or the Township Police Department.
Anyone violating the provisions of this article shall be subject to the violations and penalties set forth at § 134-12.
