Buddy, Duke, and Wallace are dogs at PAWS and More waiting to be adopted. Photos courtesy of PAWS and More

Should residents of Washington be able to tether their dogs to stationary items when nobody is home is the question the Washington City Council is trying to answer. Proposed changes to the animal control and protection portion of the city code was discussed at Tuesday’s special session of the council. The current code states, “It is unlawful to chain, tether or otherwise attach a dog to stationary object for more than five hours during any 24-hour period.” The change to the code would make it a requirement for any dog tethered to be in visual range of the responsible party and that person must be outside with the dog.

Brent Hinson explained the change was proposed with input from Police Chief Greg Goodman because the current code is not enforceable by police, who cannot monitor a dog for five straight hours. Councilman Jaron Rosien began the discussion stating he supports the change.

Councilmen Brendan DeLong and Steven Gault said they weren’t sure they could support the change.

The five-hour limit was put in place to help reduce the number of aggressive dogs. Amber Talbot, Director of PAWS and More, tells KCII News that she supports the proposal of no tethering unless someone is present. The council decided to put the item on an agenda for a future workshop session and requests that representatives from PAWS and More be part of the conversation.