Cleveland City Council approved amendments (Ord. 12-12) to the city’s animal tethering ordinance. The amendments, sponsored by council members Matt Zone and Terrell Pruitt, are aimed at improving the quality of life for dogs and other animals, tethered in unsafe conditions.
“Council’s action to amend this law came as a direct request from a resident in my community,” said Councilman Terrell Pruitt. “His concern for dogs he sees tied out in all elements around the clock led us to take the necessary steps in providing better welfare for the animals who call Cleveland home.”
“Tether” means a rope, chain, cord, dog run or pulley, or similar restraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a radius in which it can move about.
“Council is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of all those who call Cleveland home, including pets,” said Councilman Matt Zone. “These amendments will ensure that tethered animals do not have face inclement weather and uncomfortable conditions. They too have a right for safe living and working conditions.”
Amendments to Cleveland’s dog tethering ordinance outline that no person shall tether an animal in any of the following circumstances:
• 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 animal is not provided with its needs as identified in division (b) of Section 603.091;
• 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.
“We applaud Cleveland City Council for passing this critical legislation that improves the welfare of our city’s resident dogs,” praised Cleveland Animal Protective League CEO Sharon Harvey. “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.”
Those found in violation face a minor misdemeanor on the first offense ($150), a misdemeanor of the fourth degree on the second offense ($250), and a misdemeanor of the first degree on the third or any subsequent offense ($1,000). Notwithstanding the foregoing penalties, if an animal becomes sick or injured as a result of a violation of this section, the individual is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.
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