Residents call for change in Charlotte's animal tethering ordinance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some Charlotte residents are trying to change the city's ordinance about tethering, which is how some people tie their animals with a rope or chain to restrict movement.

Several North Carolina cities have banned the practice, and residents started a petition in hopes Charlotte will be next.

"I was absolutely unaware that tethering, 24/7, unattended tethering, was legal in Charlotte until recently," said resident Holly Newton.

In Asheville, unattended tethering is not allowed. In Raleigh, pets can only be left tied up unsupervised for three hours.

[ALSO READ: Parents of boy mauled by dog support proposed dog-tethering ban]

Charlotte does not have any time requirements, but there are restrictions on the length of the tether. The ordinance states the tether should be at least 10 feet long and have a swivel on both ends. The ordinance also reads the dog needs to be at least 4 months old. The ordinance was last changed in 2011.

[RELATED: Charlotte Dog Tether Rules Take Effect March 1]

"During the hot, scalding summer months the dog is outside. During the freezing winter months, the dog is outside," said Newton.

Newton and Brandis Rogers started looking into the ordinance after calling animal control on a dog that had been tied up for months.

"The dog was very underweight, matted, infested with fleas and ticks," said Newton.

"He was tethered for two years. During heavy storms, he was out there," added Rogers. "It makes me sad that human beings would do something like that for a creature that can't really defend itself."

They say animal control officials couldn't do anything about the problem since the owners did not break any laws.

Newton and Rogers said they're going to continue to push for a change with the help of several other residents.

"We have at least 50 neighbors who want to be involved," said Newton.

The two plan to address the City Council about the ordinance at its Oct. 28 meeting.

"It's not (a) life for a dog to live, and it's embarrassing that Charlotte allows these habits," said Newton.

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