Title
Request to Amend City Code - Chapter 8 Animals - Section 8-3.08 (Ordinance G-7524) - Citywide
Description
Request to amend Phoenix City Code, Chapter 8 Animals, Section 8-3.08.
Report
Summary
Staff have completed a review of the City's Animal Cruelty Ordinance. Based on this review, staff recommend several updates designed to modernize and strengthen the City’s regulations on dog tethering. The proposed changes clarify key definitions, limit when tethering is permissible, and enhance protections for animal welfare. The full recommended revision is provided in Attachment A.
Key proposed updates include:
- A new definition establishing “direct supervision or control,” requiring that a dog remain within the owner’s or handler’s visual range at all times when outside.
- Expansion of unlawful restraint provisions, prohibiting tethering or use of a trolley system unless the dog is under direct supervision or control, and at any time during extreme weather.
- Clarification and strengthening of standards for allowable restraints while under direct supervision or control, including a requirement that restraints must not cause distress or unreasonably limit a dog’s movement.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
On June 3, 2026, the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee recommended approval of this item.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, the City Manager’s Office and the Police Department.