Las Cruces ordinance regulating dog tethering about to go into effect

Dog owners will soon no longer be allowed to tether their animals for long periods of time.

A new city ordinance takes effect November 12, 2016. It was passed by city council in 2014, but delayed in order to give dog owners a two year window to learn more about the ordinance.

It prohibits owners from leaving their dogs tied to a stationary object for more than 2 hours in any 12 hour period.

It also states the tether must be at least 12 feet long.

Las Cruces Animal Control says residents concerned over tethered dogs amount to about 20 percent of the calls it receives.

“People just wondering, you know, what’s going on with the animal? They want us to talk to the animal owner to educate them a little bit,” Chief Code Administrator James Chavez said.

ABC-7 followed animal control throughout the city Tuesday. The crew came across two different houses where dogs were left tied to short leashes. In some cases, the dogs had limited water and not enough shade.

Officer Abraham Flores said it’s up to the officer whether to cite the resident on the spot or give them a warning.

Under the ordinance, residents can face a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.