ARLINGTON – The City Council adopted new animal care and control laws to restrict the tethering of animals at its meeting Sept. 21.

The new laws will go into effect no later than Oct. 1. They include regulations on the size and length of a tether, and the types of collars and harnesses that can be used when a dog is tethered.

The new laws also restrict tethering of animals between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. and require the animal must have access to clean water and adequate shelter.

Staff were directed by Mayor Barb Tolbert to develop new regulations in discussion and input with the city’s animal welfare and care partners, including the Washington Association of Animal Care and Control Agencies, Pasado’s Safe Haven and the Washington Chapter of the Humane Society of the United States.

“I wish to thank the citizens of the Arlington Community for bringing this issue to our attention so we could address it in a manner that better protects the animals of Arlington while still respecting the property rights and give our citizens clear guidance where needed,” Tolbert said.

Arlington is the second city in the state to adopt new, tighter restrictions on tethering of animals.