§ 10-409. Prohibited tethering of dogs.

(a) In general.

No person may tether a dog under unsafe conditions, including harsh or extreme weather conditions, that endanger its health, safety, or welfare.

(b) Specific prohibitions.

No person may tether a dog:

(1) by any means other than a fitted color or harness;

(2) with a choke collar, training collar, collar with metal spikes, or chain; or

(3) with a tether that:

(i) does not have swivels at both ends to prevent kinking and knotting;

(ii) weighs more than 1/8 of the dog's body weight;

(iii) is not properly positioned to prevent the tether from becoming entangled in or around objects;

(iv) unreasonably limits a dog's movement;

(v) restricts the dog's access to suitable and sufficient food, clean water, and appropriate shelter;

(vi) is not properly positioned to prevent the dog from reaching or climbing a fence to avoid strangulation;

(vii) that does not permit the dog to defecate or urinate in an area separate from the area where it must eat, drink, or lie down;

(viii) confines the dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions; or

(ix) causes injury, stress, or demonstrable socialization problems.