Forsyth County considers dog restraint issue

Forsyth County commissioners working on changes to the county animal control ordinance addressed the issue of tethering at a recent meeting.

Commissioners looked at a proposal that would restrict tethering-by rope, chain or other device — to cases where the owner had the dog in his or her line of sight. Commission chair Todd Levent pushed for a provision requiring owners to be in the physical presence of the dog-not merely observing through a window, for example. He also spoke in favor of requiring a collar or harness for the practice.

County attorney Ken Jarrard said he’d incorporate the proposed changes into the ordinance and bring it back for discussion during a Jan. 4 public hearing. Several Georgia cities and counties have banned the practice. Opponents of tethering have said it makes dogs more aggressive and prone to bite and also causes psychological damage.