Columbus bans tethering dogs outside at night, in adverse weather

Chaining dogs COLUMBUS — outside overnight will be banned in Columbus under a new city ordinance that places restrictions on how dogs and other animals can be tethered.

The Columbus City Council unanimously approved the new restrictions on Oct. 2.

Violators of the new law could be charged with misdemeanors ranging from minor to a first-degree offense. Columbus Humane, formerly the Capital Area Humane Society, would be responsible for enforcing the new rules.

“Life on a chain is a hazard and in direct conflict with the core values I know our city holds to be true,” said Rachel Finney, executive director of Columbus Humane. “Every single day our agents encounter dogs that spend their entire lives on a chain.”

Columbus will join several other central Ohio communities that recently have considered or adopted rules for chaining dogs. Blendon Township trustees passed an ordinance in June restricting how, when and where residents can tether their dogs. Delaware is mulling its own policy.

“We quickly realized instead of being in the front of the pack in protecting our beloved animals, we were really behind,” Councilman Shannon G. Hardin said.

Columbus residents will be barred from leaving animals chained outside between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. and any time there is a heat or cold advisory or severe weather alert.