WASHINGTON — Fairfax County has a new rule: Don’t tie up your pup for more than an hour.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to add the Code of Virginia’s cruelty to animals provisions to the Fairfax County Code. This includes the rule on tethering — tying your dog’s leash to something — limiting it to an hour during any 24-hour period unless you’re around.
There are exceptions, according to the amendment, so if you’re in direct supervision of your pet or if you have adequate space for it, as defined by the cruelty to animal provisions, you’re in the clear.
Fairfax County is not the first to implement this kind of law. Arlington and Fauquier counties, as well as the cities of Fairfax and Alexandria, have tethering laws on the books as well. The penalties work like this: a first violation will cost you up to $500. A second violation could run you up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail. Any further violations are punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to one year in jail.
