DeKalb County BOC bans dog tethering, owners must provide humane enclosures

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to pass an ordinance ending the unattended tethering of dogs in unincorporated DeKalb County. 

DeKalb joins Henry, Walton and Clayton counties, among others, in prohibiting owners from chaining or tying up dogs in one spot outdoors. 

“A dog left tied up alone, day after day, month after month, suffers, and our old rules made that too hard to stop. This ordinance sets a clear standard: A dog on a tether must be attended, and dogs kept outside need enough room to move,” stated DeKalb District 2 Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, who sponsored the legislation. 

Long Spears acknowledged Sonali Saindane, chair of the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board, who supported the legislation. 

“Ending unattended tethering gives DeKalb a clear standard that animal services can actually enforce,” Saindane said.

Under the new ordinance, dog owners must provide proper outdoor enclosures for their pets.

“The new requirements take effect six months after the CEO signs the ordinance, giving residents time to make changes,” Long Spears said.  “I know some families may not be able to afford the switch from a tether to a proper enclosure. That’s why Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry and I have committed a combined $50,000 toward a proposed pilot program to help eligible residents secure humane outdoor enclosures for their pets.  

“Caring for our pets is part of caring for our people and our places, and this is a step toward a more humane DeKalb,” Long Spears said. 

Here’s what the ordinance does:

·       Eliminates the county’s previous allowance for unattended tethering, including the use of running cable and trolley systems, and defines when a tethered animal is considered “attended”

·       Establishes minimum space requirements for outdoor dog enclosures

·       Strengthens safety requirements for transporting animals in open-air vehicles

Long Spears thanked several supporters for helping to advocate for the new legislation.  

“My heartfelt thanks go to the DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board, Advocates for DeKalb Animals, the Save Our DeKalb Animals (SODA) Steering Committee, the University of Georgia School of Law, Georgia Pet Coalition, LifeLine Animal Project and the DeKalb County Attorney’s Office. Thank you also to the many residents who attended meetings, contacted their commissioners and spoke up for animals who cannot speak for themselves,” Long Spears said. “Your advocacy, your voice and your love for our furry friends made this possible."

 

Photo taken at Cliff Valley Girl Scout Troop 24701 ribbon cutting ceremony of Rainbow Bridge pet memorial at Frazier Rowe Park