On January 18, the New York City Council approved a new section of city ordinances that would prohibiting the restraining (tethering) of animals outdoors for longer than three continuous hours within a 12-hour period. As amended, the measure was also amended to prohibit “for any amount of time” (e.g. temporarily) the tethering of an animal on a choke or pinch collar or other devices.
This measure falls within a section of city ordinance specifically designed to address tethering, not the section of city ordinances that govern leash laws. Nevertheless, we believe it would benefit all New Yorkers to clarify in regulations that this measure is in no way intended to affect the walking or showing of dogs on traditional choke/slip collars.
The AKC is in contact with New York City officials on this issue, and we will be working with them to clarify the regulatory language in an upcoming rules hearing on this issue.
Residents should be aware that this ordinance will not go into effect for 90 days and will not impact the upcoming Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
On January 18, the New York City Council approved a new section of city ordinances that would…