Roswell police may soon be asking, “Who left the dogs out?”

After an incident earlier this year when police rescued four malnourished dogs that had been tied to trees outdoors, Roswell is moving to prohibit unattended canines tethered outside.

The City Council has approved on first reading an ordinance amendment that would allow leaving a dog tied up outside only if the animal is in direct sight of the owner. The tether must be a harness or buckle-type collar. No chains of any kind are allowed, nor may a tether be wrapped directly around a dog’s neck, the amendment says.

“Collars must allow enough room between the collar and the dog’s throat or neck for two fingers to fit,” the measure says. “Choke, pinch or prong collars are prohibited.”

Another amendment defines “protection from the weather” as bringing the animal indoors if the temperature drops below 32 degrees or rises above 85 degrees.