NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Animal Care and Control are reminding Middle Tennessee pet owners to take the proper precautions now that winter weather has finally arrived.
In a statement released this morning, Metro Animal Care and Control asks Tennessee residents to be considerate of their pets and make sure to bring them inside when temperatures reach dangerously low temperatures.
The statement also mentioned that a Metro Ordinance makes it illegal to tether a dog when the temperature outside drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Puppies less than six months old, as well as nursing or pregnant dogs must be brought inside when cold temperatures like this occur as well.
If pets are outside, they need a warm solid shelter, such as a dog house that can help to protect them against the wind and other elements. The door of this shelter should be facing away from the wind and the floor of the shelter should be elevated off the ground. There should also be plenty of dry, thick bedding for the animal to lay on that can help to keep them warm.
Additionally, the tethering ordinance specifies:
For purposes of this subsection, "tether" means a cable, cord, or similar device used to attach an animal to a stationary device, but does not include chains. No person shall allow any animal to remain confined in such a manner as to unreasonably restrict the animal's ability to move. No person shall allow any dog to remain tethered unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:
1. The tether is not unreasonably heavy in proportion to the weight of the animal.
2. A swivel is located at both ends of the tether and the tether is free of tangles.
3. The collar or harness on the animal to which the swivel is attached is properly fitted and is a collar or harness that is commonly recognized as a pet collar or harness (choke and pinch collars are not permitted).
4. The tether is not less than fifteen feet in length.
5. Chains shall be prohibited for use as a tethering device.
6. The animal is not outside during a period of extreme weather, including without limitation a heat index of ninety-five degrees Fahrenheit (95° F) or above as determined by the National Weather Service, freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, or tornadoes.
7. The animal has access to water, shelter, and dry ground at all times, and has access to adequate food.
8. The animal is at least six months of age and has a current rabies vaccination.
9. The animal is not sick, injured, or in heat (estrus).
10. Pulley, running line, or trolley systems are at least fifteen feet in length and are not less than six feet above the ground.
11. If there are multiple animals, each animal must be tethered separately.
12. The tethering device shall allow the tethered dog to lie down comfortably at all positions of tether.
You can find more information on the Metro Animal Care & Control website.
