The city commission in Leavenworth, Kan., has given preliminary approval to creating an ordinance changing how dogs are cared for, including limiting the time a dog is tied or chained up daily.

According to the proposal, dogs could be tethered or staked for no more than two hours at a time, with untethered intervals of no less than three hours, for no more than six hours total daily.

The impetus for the legislation was residents concerns about neglected dogs.

Currently, no ordinance in the city specifically limits the time a dog is staked or tethered, and some dogs in the city are on chains or tether lines for prolonged periods of time. Commissioners agreed that constant tethering is not only animal neglect, but also creates a danger for people, especially children.

In addition to the tethering rule, the commission also approved items relating to kennel size and animal cruelty fines.

Currently, fines in Leavenworth for animal neglect and cruelty are $35 for the first offense, $75 for the second offense and $100 each for the third and all subsequent offenses.

The $35 fine for first offenses will remain intact, but the fine for a second offense would be raised to $100 and for the third and subsequent offenses, the fine would be $150.

The commission also agreed at the meeting to follow recommendations from the Leavenworth Animal Welfare Society for kennel size as it relates to breed.

A second reading of the proposal is required, and if approved, all changes would go into effect 60 days afterward.

Posted: April 21, 2006, 5 a.m. EST