The introduction of the amendment attracted dozens of animal advocates who supported the ban. According to the Humane Society, “A dog kept chained in one spot for hours, days, months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained, becomes neurotic unhappy, anxious and often aggressive.”

Additionally, the Humane Society warns that tethering is dangerous to dogs because they become targets for other animals, humans and biting insects. Tethers can become entangled with other objects, which can choke or strangle dogs. Tethers can also cause dogs necks to become raw and covered with sores because of poorly fitted collars along with the animal straining against the collar in constant attempts to escape Collars can also become embedded in a dog’s neck without proper care and fitting.

Under the amended ordinance, dogs cannot be tethered to a fixed object unless held by an attendant or by the owner.

Options for properly restraining dogs include dog runs, mesh fencing and chain link fences. Chain link fences are stronger and more durable; however, residents of cities and unincorporated areas within Fulton are urged to check with their local governments for any required fencing permits and homeowners associations to determine the appropriate types of fencing before purchasing fencing or fence construction supplies.

For additional suggestions or supplies, owners should visit their local hardware or home improvement stores. Additionally, Barking Hound Village, the County’s Animal Services provider, has instructions for constructing appropriate fencing. Call 404-794-0358 or visit www.bhvf.org.

For more information on the dog-tethering ban in Fulton County, contact the Department of Environment and Community Development’s Code Enforcement Division at 404-612-2723.
 

Facts about Dog Tethering

Dog Tethering is inhumane.

The practice can lead to injuries and psychological damage. A dog that is kept chained or tethered in one spot for days and months at a time can become anxious and aggressive. Their necks can also be injured from straining to escape their tethers or chains. Some dogs develop sores around their necks or strangle themselves because of poor care. Others can become entangled with objects or suffer neglect while tethered to fixed objects.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture and animal advocates such as the Humane Society warn of the dangers and cruelty of restricting a dog’s movements through tethering.

Tethered dogs are often victims of neglect.

Tethered dogs are left frequently without enough water, placed in locations that do not protect them from the sun on hot summer days or from the winter cold. They often do not receive affection although many dogs are often highly social animals when given proper care and attention.

Tethered dogs can be dangerous to people.

Dogs that are constantly tethered for days and months at a time are often highly aggressive and territorial. Documented reports indicate that their victims are often people, particularly children, who wander into their vicinity without realizing the danger.

Tethered dogs are dangerous to other animals

Unfamiliar animals also face potential attack. Animals at risk include smaller dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets who may unknowingly wander into a tethered dog’s space.
 

Tethering Prohibited in Fulton County

Section 34-205(b) of the Fulton County Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to add the following new subparagraphs:

(5) It shall be unlawful for the owner, custodian, or harborer of any dog to restrain or anchor such animal by means of a tether. Notwithstanding the prior sentence, a dog may be temporarily restrained by means of a tether while the dog is attended by its owner, custodian, or harborer.

(6) Any tether used to temporarily confine a dog while attended by its owner, custodian, or harborer as provided in subsection (5'), above, must be attached to a properly fitted collar or harness and shall not be wrapped directly around the dog's neck. Such tethers shall not be excessively heavy or weighted to inhibit the dog's movement.

Healthy Alternatives to Tethering
(From Fulton County Animal Services)

Bring your dog inside.

This is the ideal situation for your dog to become part of the family. Fulton County Animal Services along with Dogs Deserve Better will be glad to teach you how to walk him, help you housetrain, and show you how to teach him what is okay and is not okay to chew on. A well-trained dog is a loyal friend for life.

Spay and neuter.

Fulton County Animal Services is glad to fix your pets for free! A neutered male is less likely to try to escape a fence or 'mark' in the home. A spayed female dog will not go into heat so she will not roam looking for a mate. In addition, spaying reduces unwanted litters of puppies- helping to decrease the number of strays in our communities.

Install a fence.

A secure fence, at the appropriate height, gives your dog limited freedom and makes house training easier with quick access to the outdoors. Fencing can be cheap and easy to put up. We are glad to provide information on organizations that will help you build or improve fences and dog runs in your yard.

For further information, contact Fulton County Animal Services at 404-794-0358 www.FultonAnimalServices.Com or Dogs Deserve Better at: 1-877-636-1408 www.DogsDeserveBetter.org.