INC NEWS - Dog Chaining Ordinance

[Barry Ragin]

for those of you who are not on the PAC2 (or other PAC listservs) and 
have not seen Kim Willis' recent email, can i ask how does the County 
Attorney's decision not to allow Animal Control officers onto private 
property to investigate violations of the existing ordinance (and other 
animal cruelty ordinances) affect this new proposed ordinance?

Should there be a clause in the proposed ordinance specifiying 
appropriae enforcement policies as well?

Barry Ragin
Duke Park Neighborhood

pat carstensen wrote:

> The amended text is below. I am using the UN method of bracketting 
> with [[....]] stuff that is new. This e-mail also contains the text of 
> the current Durham ordinance and an example from Arkansas. Thanks to 
> Amanda Arrington for her investigations on this. Regards, pat
>
> -------
>
> New Version of Dog Chaining Resolution
>
> Whereas: The practice of chaining dogs can be destructive to 
> communities because dogs become more aggressive and dangerous when not 
> adequately socialized.
>
> And, because barking is increased due to boredom and sadness.
>
> And also, increased strain is put on Animal Control and Durham Police 
> Department Personnel who must deal with citizen complaints pertaining 
> to the problems associated with chained dogs.
>
> Whereas, Durham County currently has guidelines [Section 4-62 (6)] as 
> to how a dog can be chained or tethered but is inadequate in 
> protecting dogs and unsuccessful in allowing animal control officers 
> to efficiently enforce and sufficiently punish those that break the law.
>
> [[Whereas other jurisdictions have good ordinances we can use as 
> examples of how to trade off animal welfare and practicalities for 
> owners. For example, Maumelle, Arkansas specifies a minimum size of 
> pens.]]
>
> Whereas, this practice of chaining dogs is considered to be inhumane, 
> cruel and callous.
>
> Therefore, we, the member neighborhoods of The Inter-Neighborhood 
> Council resolve that Durham County adopt an ordinance that completely 
> bans the continuous chaining of dogs at any location within the County 
> and for any reason.
>
> Current Durham Ordinance
> Article III. Animal Abuse – Section 4-62. General Care, prohibited acts.
>
> 6) "Chaining or tethering an animal to a stationary object for a 
> period of time or under conditions that an animal control officer or 
> animal cruelty investigator deems harmful or potentially harmful to 
> the animal. Examples of improper chaining or tethering include, but 
> are not limited to the following:
> a. Using a length or weight of a chain or tether that is not 
> appropriate for the size, weight and age of the animal. Guidelines for 
> the proper weight and length of chains or tethers can be obtained from 
> the animal shelter or animal control.
> b. Using a chain or tether made of rope, twine, cord or similar material.
> c. Using a chain or tether that is less than ten feet in length and/or 
> does not have swivels on both ends. All chains or tethers must be 
> attached to the animal by means of a properly fitting harness or 
> collar of not less than one inch in width.
> d. Using a chain or tether than exceeds ten percent of the animal's 
> body weight.
> e. Allowing an animal to be chained or tethered such that the animal 
> is not confined to the owner's property or such that the chain or 
> tether can become entangled and prevent the animal from moving about 
> freely, lying down comfortably or having access to adequate food, 
> water and shelter.
> f. Using a chain as a primary collar. All collars used for the purpose 
> of chaining or tethering an animal must be made of nylon or leather."
>
>
> "Confinement of Animals: from and after the passage of this Ordinance, 
> any person owning animals whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, licensed 
> or unlicensed, shall confine such animal within an adequate fence or 
> enclosure, or withing a house, garage, or other building in 
> conformance with Maumelle Bill of Assurance or its successor. Animals 
> shall not be tied or chained to doghouses, or other stationary 
> objects, but must be in an approved enclosure. Sterilized cats are 
> exempt from confinement."
>
> The ordinance also mandates that dog enclosures must provide at least 
> 150 sq. ft. of space for dogs over 6 months of age.
>
>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>  
>