Dayton City Commission approves ordinance for chained dogs

UPDATE June 13 @ 9:44 p.m.: 

The Dayton City Commission voted to approve a dog ordinance involving the length of time unattended dogs can be on chains.

Police now have the right to seize any dog chained for more than 30 minutes outside of a property, a change from the previous two hours allowed.

RELATED: Is 30 minutes too long for a dog to be chained outside? It could be in Dayton

Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley said this law change didn’t come from herself or her staff, but from several members of the community who were adamant about the humane treatment of city dogs.

“The reason we are doing this isn’t to police everyone and say ‘got cha’ but to say this is our standard in the community,” Mayor Whaley said.

The Mayor said she hopes this law will bring changes in behavior to city dog owners, but will allow police to step in if they aren’t willing to follow the new law.

FIRST REPORT June 6 @ 10:43 p.m.:

Dog owners who leave their pets on chains outside all day could face big fines, and have police seize their animals if they are mistreated.

>> Ohio Senate votes to allow dogs on restaurant patios statewide

Dayton City Commission on Wednesday night held a first reading on changing a city ordinance, and adding a new one.

“We need to make sure we are treating animals humanely,” Gail Downie, a dog advocate and part of a Facebook group that posts photos and info about animals left on chains in the city.

Four years ago, the city made it so dogs could not be chained unattended outside for more than two hours straight during a 12-hour period.

“Chained dogs suffer. They’re pack animals and when they’re chained alone in a yard often without medical care, food, water they suffer. They get anxious and then they can pose a danger to others if they get loose,” Downie said.

>> Dayton skyline, bank spotlighted in trailer for new film starring Robert Redford, Danny Glover, Casey Affleck, Sissy Spacek

A second proposal would allow Dayton police officers to impound an animal they believe is in danger.

“This is necessary for the Dayton Police Department to do what they need to do if there’s a dog that’s being inhumanely treated,” Dayton Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Sexton told commissioners.

>> 3 pets perish in fire that destroys Champaign County home

Police officers would still have to leave written messages to dog owners if police seize the animals. And, within 10 days there would be a hearing to determine whether officers had probable cause to take the animal.

Got a tip? Call our monitored 24-hour line, 937-259-2237, or send it to newsdesk@cmgohio.com

About the Author