DAPHNE, Ala. — Starting Jan. 2, 2008, Daphne police will enforce an ordinance that requires pet owners to fence animals within their yard.

The ordinance — adopted June 4 — prohibits the use of a chain or tether to restrain a pet. A grace period has allowed pet owners enough time to build a fence, Daphne Police Lt. Ric Yelding said.

Obeying the law means less risk of animal abuse, Kathy Eddy, director of the Baldwin Animal Rescue Center, said.

“Tethering a dog can lead to a number of problems,” she said. “The dog can get tangled no matter how safe the device seems; this can lead to cut-off circulation and strangulation.

“Tethering also promotes neglect. Dogs are pack animals that need companionship and shelter from the rain and elements.”

According to the ordinance, if a dog is found on a runner instead of in a fenced enclosure, the owner will pay a $100 fee for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 or 30 days in jail for the third offense — and pet impoundment. Violators also must pay a $164 court fee.

Owners have 10 days to retrieve impounded pets before they are placed in a home or put up for adoption at the Daphne Animal Shelter.

Pets with proper identification tags will be held 10 days from the date a letter is mailed to the owner.

The ID tag requirement and time limitation are due to limited room at the animal shelter. Currently, the shelter has 15 dogs and 20 cats while capacity allows for 16 dogs and 23 cats, Amelia Alawine, Daphne Animal Shelter technician said.

Daphne Animal Control recently received a new truck for animal pick-up — just in time for the January crack- down.

“With two trucks, we can be proactive and cover the city better,” Yelding said.

Animal control will better respond to reported animals at large — roaming free — and to excessive noise violations such as continually barking dogs, Yelding said.

To avoid fees and possible jail time:

•provide adequate shelter for outside pets;

•supply adequate food and water;

•keep animals within bounds of a chain-link, wooden or electric fence with 150 square feet per dog for adequate exercise space;

•remember: pets may never be tied to inanimate objects;

•renew pet ID tags; and

•keep vaccinations current.

Residents can renew animal licenses at City Hall by Jan. 2.

To maintain legal pet ownership, see Kim Shaw at City Hall and fill out the necessary form; bring a copy of your pet’s rabies shot verification; and pay $3 for spayed or neutered pets — or $5 for unaltered pets.

A late fee of $10 may be added after Jan. 15, Shaw said.