Council opens discussion on dog‑tethering rules; members ask staff to draft no‑chain language and review shelter/fencing standards

The City Council discussed possible revisions to Leon Valley’s animal control provisions governing tethering on July 15 after councilmembers and residents described dogs kept tethered in yards with inadequate shelter. Councilmember Danielle Bolton said she “would prefer them not to be tethered at all,” citing animal welfare and safety concerns. Staff reviewed the existing ordinance language: current code allows tethering subject to specific standards (collar type, maximum tether lengths, requirement for shelter, water and shade) and prohibits tethering that is primarily by chain or that uses a tether exceeding one‑tenth of an animal’s body weight; a separate property‑maintenance provision requires secured enclosures for animals. Residents urged clarity and stronger enforcement; one resident said a tethered puppy died after a storm and asked for more proactive animal welfare enforcement. Staff advised that the existing code includes requirements for shelter, shade and adequate water, and noted limits on enforcement: code enforcement typically responds to reports, and the Safe Dog Act and other state provisions affect enforcement timing and authority. Several councilmembers asked staff to review the full animal‑control and property‑maintenance code and return with proposed language. Councilmember Bolton moved to add a no‑chain prohibition; she later withdrew the motion to allow staff time to prepare refined language. Ending: Council asked staff to prepare proposed ordinance language that would remove chain‑type tethers and clarify shelter, secured‑enclosure and enforcement provisions and to return the item to a future council meeting for formal action.