Planning Commission Approves Tethering Ordinance, Sends to Council for Approval

The Cape Charles Planning Commission has approved a more humane-based animal tethering ordinance. The language in the ordinance may consider stricter regulations during those seasonal times of heat and cold. Less strict regulations may apply during temperate seasons, March 1 through May 31 and September 1 through December 15.

Town Planner Larry DiRe told the Mirror, “That recommended draft language was not in the packet, but came out of the Commissioners’ discussion. Also, a Town resident spoke in favor of language prohibiting unattended tethering (such as the language recommended by the Commission to the Town Council) during the public comment section of the meeting.”

The staff report also noted, “The town sees a regular summer season population increase due to people using beach houses and summer rentals. Frequently these occasional residents and guests bring their pets with them and is it not surprising that these pets are left outdoors while their owners are at the beach, or otherwise out. Such occasional residents need to be recognized as a target population for education about any changes to the animal tethering ordinance.”

The next step for town council to review, discuss and vote on the ordinance. This is planned to happen during the March Regular Meeting.

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Wayne Creed

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