Explanation
BACKGROUND
Although Columbus and the state of Ohio currently have code provisions regarding animal cruelty and confinement, there exist no regulations regarding tethering dogs and other animals, a practice that can produce harmful effects for the animals themselves, as well as neighborhood residents. The proposed code changes will help address the more dangerous methods of tethering that: (1) harm dogs and other animals, (2) create neighborhood nuisances, and (3) contribute to criminal activity.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and several animal advocacy organizations have highlighted the negative effects of inhumane tethering. Improper types of collars can become embedded in the skin, and animals can strangle on tethers. Improperly tethered animals are also typically those that are neglected, and at risk for adverse weather conditions, as well as lacking in basic care. In the specific case of dogs, improper and prolonged tethering can lead to increased nuisances, such as barking or other loud noises. They can also become more dangerous to residents. According to the CDC, chained dogs are almost three times as likely to bite as dogs that are not tethered. Also, improper and inhumane tethering practices are often signs of additional animal cruelty and other criminal activity. Discussions with Columbus Humane (formerly Capital Area Humane Society) and the City Attorney’s office informed that many animal cruelty cases involved some form of tethering and neglect. Improper tethering is often also evidence that the animals are involved in dog fighting.
This proposed code is not intended to limit how dogs in particular are walked or trained by owners, nor does it seek to outlaw tethering entirely. Rather, it is intended to enact responsible regulations that will target those practices and manners of tethering that bring harm to the animals and neighborhood residents. This code will continue City efforts t...
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