Attachment A - Section 8-3.08 Tethering .pdf

Section 8-3.08, Unlawful restraint of dog 
Page 1 of 2 
The Phoenix City Code is current through Ordinance G-7483, passed February 4, 2026. 
Sec. 8-3.08. Unlawful restraint of dog. 
A. For purposes of this section:
"Collar" means any collar constructed of nylon, leather, metal, or similar material,
specifically designed to be used on a dog.
“DIRECT SUPERVISION OR CONTROL” MEANS WHEN A DOG IS KEPT WITHIN THE VISUAL
RANGE OF THE OWNER OR HANDLER AT ALL TIMES WHILE OUTSIDE.
"Extreme weather conditions" means:
a. The actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or
above 100 degrees Fahrenheit;
b. A heat advisory has been issued by a local, State, or national authority for the area;
or
c. A monsoon, hurricane, tropical storm, dust storm or tornado warning has been
issued for the area by a local, State, or national authority.
"Owner" means a person who owns or has custody or control of a dog. 
"Properly fitted" means a collar that measures the circumference of a dog’s neck plus one 
inch. 
"Restraint" means a rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device other than a chain that 
attaches a dog to a stationary object or trolley system. 
B. IT IS UNLAWFUL TO CONFINE A DOG ON PRIVATE PROPERTY BY USE OF A TETHER, TROLLEY,
OR SIMILAR RESTRAINT UNLESS THE DOG IS UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OR CONTROL BY THE
OWNER OR HANDLER, OR AT ANY TIME DURING EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS:  An owner
shall not restrain a dog outside by use of a choke collar or pinch collar, or a restraint that
unreasonably limits the dog’s movement, or during extreme weather conditions.
ATTACHMENT A

Section 8-3.08, Unlawful restraint of dog 
Page 2 of 2 
The Phoenix City Code is current through Ordinance G-7483, passed February 4, 2026. 
ANY RESTRAINT USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER MUST NOT UNREASONABLY LIMIT 
A DOG’S MOVEMENT OR CAUSE DISTRESS TO THE DOG. A restraint unreasonably limits a dog’s 
movement if the restraint: 
1. Uses a collar that is not properly fitted to the dog;
2. Is in length shorter than SIX ten feet;
3. Places the dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions;
4. Causes injury to the dog; or
5. Does not permit the dog access to food, water, shade, dry ground, or adequate shelter.
at all times.
C. Penalty.
1. A person found responsible for violating subsection B of this section must be assessed
a fine not less than $250.00.
2. Upon a second conviction under subsection B of this section, a person is guilty of a
Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by jail for a term of not less than 48 hours and a fine of
not less than $1,000.00.
3. Upon a third conviction under subsection B of this section, a person is guilty of a Class 1
misdemeanor punishable by jail for a term of not less than 15 consecutive days and a fine
of not less than $2,000.00.
D. A person who has restrained a dog in compliance with subsection (B) (B)(2) of this section is
not in violation of Section 8-14(A). (Ord. No. G-6167, 2016; Ord. No. G-7131, § 2, 2023)