Phoenix has tightened its rules around tethering dogs outdoors, with the City Council unanimously approving updates to the animal cruelty ordinance in mid-June. Under the new rules, dogs can no longer be left tied up outside unless someone is directly supervising them, meaning the animal must stay within its owner’s line of sight at all times.
The ordinance goes further during extreme conditions. Dogs cannot be restrained outdoors at all when temperatures climb above 100 degrees, during heat advisories, monsoon activity, or dust storm warnings. Any restraint that is used must still allow the dog to reach food, water, shade, and shelter, and tethers must be at least six feet long. Choke and pinch collars are banned for outdoor restraint entirely.
City officials say the goal is to give police clearer tools to step in before a situation becomes dangerous, and to reduce the number of preventable heat emergencies Phoenix sees among pets each summer. Violations can bring a fine of up to $250 for a first offense, with the updated rules taking effect about 30 days after approval.
Source: City of Phoenix — read the full announcement here: https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police-department-news/phoenix-city-council-approves-updates-to-animal-cruelty-ordinanc.html