Nashville dog-chaining ban survives challenge

TENNESSEE -- Animal advocates call it a victory for dogs.

Chaining dogs outside will no longer be allowed in Nashville after the Metro Council voted 30-3 on Tuesday to defeat a motion to reconsider legislation that outlines that ban and other pet-tethering restrictions.

The vote Tuesday erased any doubt over a bill that had technically passed by an overwhelming 30-2 vote on third and final reading last week.

Afterward, Madison-area Councilwoman Karen Bennett, who spearheaded the effort, led a brief celebration outside the council chambers with dozens of supporters of the group Dogs Deserve Better.

"Turn around and hug the person next to you," Bennett said to applause.

The bill now awaits only the desk of Mayor Karl Dean, who is expected to sign it.

In addition to banning chains to restrict the movement of dogs, the bill approved Tuesday outlaws outdoor tethers considered "unreasonably heavy in proportion to the weight of the animal." The new law, which specifies acceptable tethers, also bans the fastening of dogs to stationary devices outside in freezing temperatures, extreme heat, thunderstorms and tornadoes.

"These are just some responsible measures to put on tethering," Bennett said, adding that chains are typically used to build neck strength of dogs for dog fighting. "The chains themselves are restrictive.
They actually rub the skin and cause damage. … Removing the chains is a huge piece of this."

Heading into Tuesday's meeting, uncertainty lingered over Bennett's bill because of a procedural move led by Councilman Duane Dominy of Antioch the week before to call for a motion to reconsider the bill.

His effort, though, fell well short Tuesday. He was joined by only council members Jason Holleman and Phil Claiborne in voting to reconsider.

Pet tethering outdoors will be allowed in Nashville if the following is satisfied:

• A swivel is at both ends of the tether and the tether is free of tangles.
• The collar on the animal to which the swivel is attached is properly fitted and is a collar that is commonly recognized as a pet collar (choke and pinch collars would not be allowed).
• The tether is at least 15 feet in length, and pulley, running line or trolley systems also are at least 15 feet in length.
• The animal has access to water, shelter and dry ground at all times, and has access to adequate food.
• The animal is at least 6 months of age and has a current rabies vaccination.
• The animal is not sick, injured or in heat.
• If there are multiple animals, each animal is tethered separately.
• The tethering device allows the tethered dog to lie down comfortably at all positions.

(The Tennessean - ‎Mar 3, 2015‎)