Cleveland City Council adds weather conditions to animal tethering ordinance

CLEVELAND - Cleveland residents may need to check out a new ordinance before they tie up the family pet outside.

Cleveland City council passed amendments to the city’s existing animal tethering ordinance on Monday night.

“Council is concerned for the safety of all those who call Cleveland home, including pets,” Zone said. “These amendments will ensure that tethered animals do not have to face inclement weather and uncomfortable conditions. They too have a right for safe living and working conditions.”

The new amendments prohibit tethering a dog, mean chaining or tying the animal, during the following conditions:

-For more than 6 hours total in a 24-hour period and not more than 2 consecutive hours with no less than a one-hour period between tetherings;

-Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;

-If a heat or cold advisory has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

-If a severe weather warning has been issued by a local or state authority or the National Weather Service;

-If the tether is less than 20 feet in length;

-If the tether allows the animal to touch the fence or cross the property line or cross onto public property;
-If the tether is attached by means of a pinch-type, prong-type, or choke-type collar or if the collar is unsafe or is not properly fitted;

-If the tether may cause injury or entanglement;

-If the tether is made of a material that is unsuitable for the animal’s size and weight or that causes any unnecessary discomfort to the animal.

Violations will result is misdemeanor charges.

“We applaud Cleveland City Council for passing this critical legislation that improves the welfare of our city’s resident dogs,” said Sharon Harvey, CEO of the Cleveland Animal Protective League. “Dogs are companion animals. They’re meant to live as members of a family and not a life of solitude and suffering at the end of a tether.”