Mayor: Michael Udine Vice Mayor: Jared E. Moskowitz Commissioners: Dave Rosenof, Jay D. Smith & Mark Weissman City Manager: Caryn Gardner-Young Parkland City Hall 6600 University Drive Parkland, FL 33067 info@cityofparkland.org		City Hall Hours: Weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Building Dept: Weekdays 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM City Hall (Phone) (954) 753-5040 (Fax) (954) 341-5161 Building (Phone) (954) 753-5447 (Fax) (954) 753-8838 Police, Fire & Medical Emergencies: Dial 911 Non Emergency Fire or Police (954) 753-5050 After Hours, Non-Public Safety (Public Works) Non Emergencies: (954) 913-0499

Parkland City Update
Department: City Administration
Posted March 8, 2008

Dog Tethering Ordinance

As of February 6th, the City Commission adopted an ordinance which may affect residents owning a dog within the City of Parkland. The newly adopted regulations make it illegal to tether dogs under certain situations, particularly during the hours of 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Chaining or tethering refers to the practice of tying a dog to a stationary object as a means of keeping the animal confined. This does not refer to periods when animals are being walked on a leash.

The issue of dog tethering was brought to the City Commissions’ attention by P.A.W.S. of Westglades Middle School. They informed the City Commission of the dangers that animals face when they are confined by tethering or chains. Dogs are, by nature, social beings who thrive on interaction with people and other animals. A dog kept chained in one spot for months or even years suffers immense psychological damage. A continuously chained dog usually becomes neurotic, anxious, and aggressive. In many cases, the necks of chained dogs become raw and infected from too-tight collars. Dog tethers can also easily become entangled with other objects, choking or strangling the dogs to death. Dogs naturally feel protective of their territory. When confronted with a perceived threat, they respond according to their fight-or-flight instinct. A chained dog, unable to take flight, often feels forced to fight. Thus, an animal that is confined or tethered is more likely to cause injury or harm to people, itself or other animals. Click here to view Ordinance 2008-04.