Known as a "tethering" provision of the animal control ordinance, the new section addresses the type of restraint and how long an animal can be restrained.

Members of the town council were told there is a need for the tethering ordinance by residents speaking out on a proposed ordinance to fine owners of dogs which bark too much over as a certain period of time. They said some dogs bark because they were restrained too long or improperly restrained. The council did not approve the barking dog ordinance.

Under the new provision, a dog may not be tethered for more than three hours in any 24-hour period. Any device used to tether a dog must be at least 10 feet long and attached in a manner that prevents entanglement or injury to the dog.

The device used to tether can weigh no more than 10 percent of the dog's body weight and must allow access to food and water.

The council's public safety committee approved the ordinance and then passed it on to the full body of council for a vote. The council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.

A $100 fine will be assessed to violators for each violation.

Assistant Town Manager Seth Lawless said the town will publish materials and circulate them to make residents aware of the ordinance. The ordinance also will be posted on the town's Web site.