- Anti-tethering
ordinance became effective January 1, 2010.
Durham, N.C. – Days of chaining the dog
to the fence or tree are long gone.
On Friday, January 1, the new Anti-Tethering Ordinance went into effect
in Durham County. The ordinance,
passed by the Durham Board of County Commissioners in September 2008, prohibits
dogs from being bound by a chain or any type of tethering device. The ordinance also states that a dog
owner cannot leave their animal unattended.
The anti-tethering ordinance is designed
to protect dogs and citizens of Durham. Dogs left tied can be at risk of
accidental choking or injuries from being entangled. Improper tie outs can result in dogs
breaking the tie out and becoming a nuisance or danger to neighbors and other
animals, getting lost, injured or even killed. Lack of human contact when dogs
are tied out can lead to loneliness for the dog and even dog
aggression.
To avoid potential problems for dogs kept
outside, dog owners must install an above ground or underground fence. The minimum requirements for the fence
are:
- 100 square feet
for a dog under 20 pounds (10 x10 pen)
- 200 square feet
for a dog over 20 pounds (10 x 20 pen)
Dog owners
that violate the ordinance can
receive a civil fine as small as 50 dollars, up to a more serious penalty of
criminal charges.
The New Year has brought new rules for Durham County. For questions or more information about
the new anti-tethering ordinance, contact the Durham County Animal Control
Division at 919-560-0630.
