HAMPTON -- What do you think about dogs being on tethers or chained when they're outside?
The City of Hampton has been asking for comments on a proposal to restrict the practice. The short, online survey is open through the end of Tuesday, January 17.
The Animal Control Advisory Board recommended an 8-hour maximum time period on tethering animals, with some restrictions on adequate space and tether length. But when it went before City Council in December, speakers spoke in favor of a shorter time or banning tethering completely, City spokeswoman Robin McCormick told WVEC.com.
She said most of the speakers were animal rights proponents and no one who used tethering spoke.
Afterwards, Council asked staff to gather more public input, so the survey was created. Thus, the survey.
McCormick says results will go back to the citizen Animal Control Advisory Board, which will review comments and take a recommended ordinance to Council - probably in February.
ORIGINAL PROPOSAL:
Ordinance To Amend And Reenact Chapter 5 "Animals" Of The Code Of The City Of Hampton Section 5-80 "Care Of Companion Animal Kept On Chain" To Address Tethering; Adequate Space And Time Restrictions.
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Hampton, Virginia, that the Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia, be amended and re-enacted to read as follows:
Sec. 5-80. - Tethering; adequate space requirement and time restriction.
a) It shall be unlawful to tether any animal in such a manner that it does not have adequate space. When an animal is tethered, adequate space means a tether that permits sufficient space to allow each animal to (i) easily stand, sit, lie, turn about, and make all other normal body movements in a comfortable, normal position for the animal and (ii) interact safely with other animals in the enclosure; is appropriate to the age and size of the animal; is attached to the animal by a properly applied collar, halter, or harness configured so as to protect the animal from injury and prevent the animal or tether from becoming entangled with other objects or animals, or from extending over an object or edge that could result in the strangulation or injury of the animal; and is at least three (3) times the length of the animal, as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, except when the animal is being walked on a leash or is attached by a tether to a lead line. When freedom of movement would endanger the animal, temporarily and appropriately restricting movement of the animal according to professionally accepted standards for the species is considered provision of adequate space.
b) It shall be unlawful for any animal to be tethered for more than eight (8) hours, cumulatively in any twenty-four-hour period.
