FORT LAUDERDALE -- The city joined the cause of pet lovers and chain haters nationwide Tuesday by voting unanimously to pass a law restricting the tethering of animals.
The law was inspired by the Broward County Humane Society, which approached commissioners with a crowd of pet lovers last month. The group worked with city staff on the law's language.
The cities of Hollywood, Dania Beach, Pembroke Park and Hallandale Beach already have passed similar laws, which are promoted by national groups like Mothers Against Dog Chaining.
State law bans cruelty to animals, but Fort Lauderdale's law takes animal treatment a step further, condemning in general the practice of tying up dogs or cats outdoors and setting new restrictions on owners who keep pets in the yard.
The new city law needs one more vote, in two weeks, to become final. It is expected to have no impact on the budget.
Violators would pay up to $500 or sit in jail for up to 60 days.
Animals that spend a lot of time in the yard on chains or leashes are distressed and more likely to attack, pet experts say.
The claim is backed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reported that a 1991 study suggests chained dogs are 2.8 times more likely to bite than their free-roaming counterparts.
If Fort Lauderdale's vote passes, it will affect the approximately 19,000 dogs licensed as living in the city. Under the proposed law, no pet six months or younger could be tied up in the yard. No dog or cat of any age could be tethered during harsh weather, like a thunderstorm, temperature of 85 degrees or warmer, or when a hurricane warning has been issued.
During the day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., no dog could be chained for more than 15 minutes. In the evening, owners could tie up the dog, but only if the chain or leash is three times longer than the animal, or is overhead and allows the pet to run.
Pets allowed to roam free in the yard would be entitled to at least one side of their fence to be see-through. Those pets would have to be visited at least once every 12 hours, and would need at least 150 square feet of play space per animal, plus shelter from the sun.
Walking dogs on leashes or chains would still be legal.
Brittany Wallman can be reached at bwallman@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4541.
