Vernon is considering a pet ordinance declaring it necessary for the public peace, health, and safety to provide for the care and treatment of animals in Vernon, Indiana.
The ordinance says it shall be unlawful to tether any animal using a choke collar, a collar too small for the size and age of the animal, any rope, chain, or cord directly attached to the animal’s neck, a leash less than twelve feet in length, or any tether or leash without swivels on both ends. It also prohibits tethers of unreasonable weight that prevent the animal from moving about freely.
The ordinance also lays out key factors covering extreme weather rules, tethering rules, pen and fence enclosure requirements, and shelter requirements.
Dogs must be brought inside a temperature-controlled building when temperatures reach 90 degrees or above, 20 degrees or below, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, wind chill warning, or tornado warning.
The tethering rules prohibit chaining dogs that are less than six months old, sick or injured, not spayed or neutered unless within eyesight, or tethered between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. It also prohibits tethering at a vacant premises or when the animal is not monitored by a competent adult present at the property.
Pens and fenced enclosures must provide adequate exercise space, including at least 100 square feet for one dog, an additional 50 square feet for each additional dog, and 150 square feet for any dog over 80 pounds.
Shelters must be constructed of solid, weather-resistant materials, have a dry floor raised above the ground, and include a roof sloped away from the entrance.
Violations may result in fines. A first offense comes with a 10-day warning to the property owner. After that, violations may result in a fine of up to $50 per day until resolved. Repeated violations may lead to more severe penalties, including possible impoundment of the pet.
The second reading and approval will take place at the next council meeting on Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Vernon gym.
