After experiencing an increase in calls regarding the laws about dog tethering in Orange County, the county is attempting to clarify the issue for residents.

Continuous chaining or tethering is not allowed in Orange County.  It is restricted to three hours per day in the unincorporated areas and Hillsborough and prohibited altogether in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

“We are uncertain as the reason for the increase in emails and calls, but the same thing happened last year, which could be the result of warming temperatures,” said Bob Marotto, director of Orange County Animal Services.

Tethering in many areas has been linked to nuisance barking and some instances of territorial aggression, which can lead to public safety concerns.  Extreme temperatures in summer or winter can also lead to concerns over animal safety for some of those tethered.

Because of these concerns, governments across the county have attempted to prevent tethering.

“It was a challenging community process but one that has been very successful,” said Marotto. “Dogs are naturally social beings who thrive on interaction with human beings and other animals.”

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