Both supporters and opponents of a dog-tethering law amendment packed the house at a public hearing before the Orange County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.
The commissioners postponed a decision regarding the amendment, saying they needed more time to consider the feedback provided during the public hearing.
Under the amendment, dogs could be tethered for a total of no more than three hours during a 24-hour period using a tethering device at least 10 feet in length and attached to prevent strangulation or other injury to the dog. In addition, the tethering device could not exceed 10 percent of the dog’s body weight and dogs must have access to food, water and shelter while tethered.
The proposed amendment also includes a minimum requirement for kennel size, depending on the size of the dog.
Certain organized animal functions, such as hunting events, would be exempt from the proposed restrictions.
Opponents of the restrictions argue that tethering should be considered on a case-by-case basis and that animal neglect can occur under any circumstance. Supporters maintain that dogs should never be tethered.
The board will review the amendment again at a meeting on June 3.