After much debate over the example ordinance using other states, an ordinance has been finalized and proposed to Warren County, TN Commissioners. If you as a Warren County, TN resident support this ordinance, please sign. 

Note: Adequate shelter proposal details are specific and in conjunction to the approval of tether ordinance (Ie. Raised dog house is not a risk for strangulation if the pulley system is elevated as presented). Adequate shelter proposal will be redefined and edited if the humane tether ordinance does not pass. 

Note: Enforcement of ordinances, old and new, are also being discussed. This is a lengthy process, but as a community, I believe we’re moving in the right direction. 

Note: Accessible - able to be reached/entered. 

This is the final, presented ordinance (wording to be ordinance oriented, if approved)

Tether ordinance proposal (phase one)
 
HUMANE STANDARDS FOR TETHERING/CHAINING
 
Ordinances are important because they provide a clear and minimum standard of care. While they will not get a dog off a chain, if enforced positively, they can improve the dog’s quality of life.
•Collar or harness: Ensure that the tether is attached by a properly fitted collar or harness. No pinch, prong or choke types allowed. No logging or tow chains allowed.
•Tether: Should not exceed 1/10 of  dog’s body weight.
•Length should be at least 5 times the length of the dog (from tip of nose to base of tail), but never less
than 10 feet.
•Tether should be at least 4 feet above the ground but no more than 7 feet to mitigate entanglement risks.
•No dog under 6 months of age (and/or) in estrous cycle shall be tethered unsupervised.
•All tethers should have swivels on both ends to prevent twisting and tangling. They should not be close to strangulation hazards (e.g., a fence).
 
Adequate shelter ordinance proposal
 
FOOD AND WATER FOR DWLO (dogs who live outside)
•TN animal cruelty laws already require that dogs receive appropriate, nutritious food and clean water. For DWLO, it is especially important to monitor this.
 
ENHANCED SHELTER DEFINITION
•All dogs who spend any period of unsupervised time outdoors, must have shelter. Providing a clear definition of adequate shelter can drastically improve the dog’s well-being.
•This can include higher standards during certain times of the year or weather events (e.g., shade during summer months, bedding during winter months).
•Considerations should address ventilation, sanitation and space.
•Should include what does not merit “adequate shelter” for owned pets. More specifically: Crawl spaces under buildings/decks, under or inside a vehicle; shelters made from materials easily degraded by the elements; carriers or crates designed for temporary housing; shelters with chain-link flooring, or shelters surrounded by waste and debris.
 
 
Advanced adequate shelter definition proposal
1.     Any dog living primarily outside (more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period) OR any dog outside during inclement and extreme weather must be provided with an accessible, adequate shelter house. Propose the definition of adequate being an enclosed shelter house with three sides and a roof in addition to the below.
2.     Shelter house must be elevated at least 1 inch of the ground in freezing temperatures (less than 32 degrees). It has been proven that igloo house temperature (when placed directly on the ground) vary only slightly from ground temperatures. Pallets, boards, etc are appropriate elevation methods; but should not be used if elevated pulley system is not in place as noted above. 
3.     Shelter house must be supplied with appropriate bedding during freezing temperatures. Propose pine shaving, straw, hay, heat lamps, heating pads, etc. as appropriate bedding. Blankets as an only bedding source will not be considered appropriate due to moisture absorption and freezing tendencies. ‘No’ bedding in freezing temperatures should be considered inappropriate and inadequate. 
4.     Shelter house must be sufficient for the dog to maintain its body temperature and functions without drawing upon the necessary constituents of its own body. This is maintained in both freezing and excessive heated temperatures.
5.     Living space must be provided with a shaded area at all times during excessive heated temperatures.
6.     Define freezing as 32 degrees and below.
7.     Define excessive heated temperatures of 90 degrees and above.
8.     Define what is NOT considered adequate shelter. More specifically: Crawl spaces under buildings/decks/homes, under or inside a vehicle; shelters made from materials easily degraded by the elements; carriers or crates designed for temporary housing; shelters with chain-link flooring, or shelters surrounded by waste and debris.