ORDINANCE NO. BL2009-418

An ordinance amending Section 8.12.030 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to define the appropriate length of outdoor pet tethers.

WHEREAS, certain types of outdoor pet tethering can be horribly cruel to pets, especially during inclement weather conditions; and

WHEREAS, unlimited tethering of pets can become dangerous to passersby and surrounding residents, including the caretaker of the pet; and

WHEREAS, while appropriate restrictions on pet containment may be necessary, pet containment restrictions should acknowledge that pet restraint is acceptable with appropriate safeguards built into the Code; and

WHEREAS, any interest in limited pet restraint should be balanced against the harmful impact of unrestricted pet tethering upon pets and surrounding residents; and

WHEREAS, certain tethering lengths prove safer at keeping animals and citizens protected.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That Section 8.12.030 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by adding the following provision at the end of subsection C.:
“; and
4. The rope, chain, or cord is not less than fifteen (15) feet in length.”

Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect upon its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Karen Bennett, Robert Duvall

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	April 7, 2009
Passed First Reading:	April 7, 2009
Referred to:	Health, Hospitals and Social Services Committee
Passed Second Reading:	April 21, 2009
Passed Third Reading:	May 19, 2009
Approved:	May 22, 2009
By: