Dog owners in Bristol, Tennessee are reminded that a newly amended city ordinance prohibiting around-the-clock tethering of dogs became effective Aug. 1 and is now being enforced by the City’s police department.
Adopted by City Council in January, the ordinance prohibits Bristol, Tennessee residents from tying their dogs outdoors between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless they obtain a permit. Permits may be issued to those who work nights or to those who own hunting and sporting dogs, in which case a different 8-hour period for untethering the dog will be established. Permit applications are available at www.bristoltn.org/TetherPermit.
Designed to protect the welfare of dogs and prevent nighttime disruptions to neighbors, the newly adopted provision supplements an existing ordinance that sets clear guidelines for the type and length of tether that can be used to restrain dogs outdoors. It also prohibits tethering dogs less than six months of age, female dogs in heat, or any dog that would be endangered because of an illness, injury or extreme weather conditions. The ordinance also requires that all tethered dogs have access to essential needs, including food, water, shade, dry ground, and shelter.
The ordinance is enforced by the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department through its Division of Animal Control. For additional information, please refer to the City ordinance online at www.bristoltn.org/AnimalOrdinance or contact Animal Control at (423) 989-5600.
