Roswell Seeks To Ban Unattended Tethering Of Dogs

ROSWELL, GA — The city of Roswell is seeking to amend its Cruelty To Animals ordinance that would prohibit the practice of tethering unattended dogs.

The City Council at its April 9 meeting unanimously approved the first reading of the amendment, which would insert a section on the subject and when it would be allowed. Councilman Marcelo Zapata was not present.

The change prohibits the tethering of unattended dogs whether by "means of a single point, or fixed tether or by means of a trolley system," the amendment reads.

However, the ordinance would allow for the tethering of a dog that's attended to by an owner, custodian or possessor who is outside with the canine at all times. A tether could only be used when it's attached to a harness or buckle-type collar.

Tethers would be prohibited from being directly wrapped around a dog's neck, and collars must "allow enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat or neck for two fingers to fit," the ordinance notes.

Choke, pinch or prong collars would be prohibited for the purpose of tethering, and any tethering used for attended dogs can not inhibit the animal's movement, the proposed states.

The city's amendment also clarifies the meaning of the phrase "protection from the weather" as bringing an animal indoors if the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or climbs above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

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According to Animal Source Law, restrictions on tethering of dogs have been passed in Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb, Cherokee, Gwinnett and Douglas counties as of February 2016. Cities such as Bainbridge, College Park and Madison have also passed restrictions.

The second reading is expected to be held at the City Council's April 23 meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

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