The tethering amendment to the Orange County Animal Ordinance, which restricts the tethering of dogs to a maximum of three hours within a 24-hour period, became effective, Nov. 19. During the first six months of the ordinance, only warning notices will be issued for tethering violations.

The ordinance only applies to the unincorporated parts of the county and Hillsborough. Chapel Hill has adopted its own tethering amendment, which differs from the county’s and becomes effective in March 2010. For more information on Orange County’s amendment, including a full list of changes and exemptions, visit the animal services website at www.co.orange.nc.us/animalservices or call 942-7387.