Residents Speak Out Against Dog Tethering

Should there be limits on the amount of time dogs can be left on chains in a back yard? Many Hampton Residents say there should.

The City's Animal Control Advisory Board took a recommendation to City Council in December to place an 8-hour limit (as well as some other restrictions) on the amount of time a dog could stay tethered. Speakers who attended the public comment session were generally in favor of restrictions but asked that the tethering time be further limited. City Council asked for more public input to better gauge residents' views.

An unscientific online survey allowed residents to voice their views. In all, more than 2,000 people responded - half from outside the city limits. Here's the breakdown of what Hampton Residents had to say:

What do you think the regulations should be on tethering/chaining dogs in Hampton?

• Unlimited time period: 7 percent
• Limited to 8 hours at a time: 11 percent
• Limited to 3 hours at a time: 26 percent
• No tethering at all: 57 percent

More than 500 people left comments as well. Some were dog owners who said they used tethering for limited times with their dogs; others said they believed longer times were appropriate if there was adequate water, food and shelter. However, many more people said they believed that chaining was not good for dogs.

Members of the City's Animal Control Advisory Board are studying this input, as well as other input they have gathered. They are expected to propose an ordinance to City Council at the February 8 meeting. Members of the public will be able to voice their views on the proposal at the 6:00PM public comment session prior to that meeting.

Dog Tethering Survey Comments

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City Manager’s Office
22 Lincoln Street
Hampton, VA 23669

Robin McCormick,
757.728.3276

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