Leash, Tether or chain when not under control of the owner
Dogs are not allowed to reach within five (5) feet of a
Public right-of-way, Alley, Street or Sidewalk unless the animal is securely fenced in
Animals must be restrianed while being transported in a motor vehicle to prevent the animal from being injured

Dog Tethering

The City of Ennis Animal Control wishes to remind residents of a state law that went into effect in September of 2007. This law is titled “Unlawful Restraint of Dog” and can be found in Chapter 821 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Subchapter D, Sec. 821.077

An owner may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the dogs movement:

Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM;
Within 500 feet of a school;
When the temperature is below 32 degrees;
When a heat advisory has been issued;
With a choke or pinch/prong type collar;
With an improperly fitting nylon collar;

A manner that unreasonably limits the dog’s movement can be one or more of the following items:

Using a pinch-type, prong-type, choke-type or improperly fitted collar
Dog is tethered within 500 feet of the premises of a school
Dog’s tether is a length shorter than five times the length of the dog, as measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the dog's tail or tether is shorter than ten (10) feet
Dog is tethered in an unsafe condition
Tether is causing injury to the dog

If you choose to tether your dog, please ensure that the tether is at least 10 feet in length and that the dog is not tethered within five (5) feet of a public right-of-way, alley, street or sidewalk. One preferred method of tethering approved by State law is to tether a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system by use of a properly fitted, non-pinch, non-prong or non-choke-type collar. The image on the left is an example of a properly used trolley system. The image on the right is an example of a trolley system kit that can be purchased through local retail establishments and online.

If you are unsure of how to properly tether your dog, please contact the Department of Health Services for assistance. When tethering your dog, please be sure that it has access to wholesome food , fresh water and shelter that consists of a minimum of a three-sided structure with a cover or roof, and flooring protection from the ground. Pet carriers are not classified as adequate shelter for a dog. REQUIRED...

Please also ensure that your dog is not tethered in a manner that allows the dog to intrude upon the property of another person.

To report a concern, make a comment please contact the Health Department between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. M - F at 972.875.6442; visit our office at 105 S. Preston St. Ennis, Texas 75119 or by Email . For after hours Emergencies contact the Ennis Police Department at 911.