# § 10-409 Prohibited tethering of dogs.

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 10-409 Prohibited tethering of dogs.

Balt., Md., Code § 10-409 (2026)

(a) No person may tether a dog under unsafe conditions, including harsh or extreme weather conditions, that endanger its health, safety, or welfare.

(b) No person may tether a dog:

  (1) by any means other than a fitted color or harness;

  (2) with a choke collar, training collar, collar with metal spikes, or chain; or

  (3) with a tether that:

    (i) does not have swivels at both ends to prevent kinking and knotting;

    (ii) weighs more than 1/8 of the dog’s body weight;

    (iii) is not properly positioned to prevent the tether from becoming entangled in or around objects;

    (iv) unreasonably limits a dog’s movement;

    (v) restricts the dog’s access to suitable and sufficient food, clean water, and appropriate shelter;

    (vi) is not properly positioned to prevent the dog from reaching or climbing a fence to avoid strangulation;

    (vii) that does not permit the dog to defecate or urinate in an area separate from the area where it must eat, drink, or lie down;

    (viii) confines the dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions; or

    (ix) causes injury, stress, or demonstrable socialization problems.

*History: Ord. 11-573*