Viriginia town bans dog tethering

[The Straight Story]

The Virginia city of Suffolk has approved a ban on dog-tethering, effective the first of September.

After months of wrangling over details and considering compromises, the city council voted 6-2 to enact an outright ban on dog-tethering, the Virginian-Pilot reported.

Suffolk joins a growing number of Virginia cities that have taken steps to ban or limit tethering dogs outside. Hampton forbids it, and Portsmouth, Norfolk and Virginia Beach limit tethering to a maximum of three hours a day.

Suffolk City Councilman Mike Duman, who had proposed a 10-hour a day limit, said he was pleased with the outcome.

http://www.ohmidog.com/2013/03/22/suffolk-va-bans-dog-tethering/

[bluedigger]

1. A limit is reasonable, but an outright ban is not.

I put my dog out on a tether several times a day. I live in an apartment and don't have a fenced yard. After she pees (she won't poop on the block ) or is done playing with my neighbor's dog, I let her back in when she barks, usually less than ten minutes or so. Sometimes I give her a bone from the market and she'll hang out for up to an hour. I'm always home when she's out. No big deal.

She did get busted once for sneaking down the alley to take care of business by Animal Control. I opened the front door to find her hanging out like nothing happened with the the dog cop standing there glaring at me. I got her off with a warning, and had to buy a local tag for $20. We're legal now.

[justiceischeap]

5. There's a huge problem in Southern VA with people tethering their dogs outside

And never caring for them. Many dogs get embedded collars 'cause they'll throw a collar on the dog when he's a puppy and never change it. Hell, sometimes they just wrap the chain around the dogs neck and that becomes embedded. This is the perfect example of a lot of bad people ruining it for the responsible few.

[newfie11]

2. I wonder if this was a result of hounds tied

I remember when living in rural VA the folks that had lots of hounds tied. That's where they stayed unless hunting at night.

There are also people that tie dogs outside 24/7. Why have a dog??? This needs to stop.

Tying for the dog to go potty is fine but not 24/7.

[Tracer]

3. My neighbor across the street ...

... bought a beautiful Dalmation.

They took it for a walk ONCE the day they brought it home. For the next year, the poor dog was tied up in the yard and could only pace back and forth in an arc. Other neighbors felt so bad, they would ask the owners if they could walk the dog.

One day the dog was gone. I only hope it went to a better home.

Jeez. If you want a lawn ornament, BUY a lawn ornament!

[newfie11]

6. Exactly. Nt

[Revanchist]

4. The only time I tether my dog

Is when I'm doing stuff in the front yard. The back is enclosed and he has a doggy door to use so he goes in and out as he pleases.

[hlthe2b]

7. That would be the only way I'd consider it, is if I were loading the car or moving some boxes...

My sweetie will run out the door if I am not exceedingly cautious (still a pup)... Tethering would let her watch me without stressing.

But, my pup gets at least 4 1/2 miles of walking daily and at least a half hour at the off leash dog park. And, I don't have a dog tether, but I've thought about getting one, but only while I am within eyeshot of her and for short periods, maybe while we are both outside relaxing... My next door neighbor has one and his dog is never on it for more than about ten minutes at a time.

Tethering is not the issue. Owner NEGLIGENCE is.

[RebelOne]

8. Cherokee County, Georgia, where I live

passed a law several years ago that dogs can be tethered outside no longer than 2 hours.