Columbus City Council last night approved new restrictions banning the tethering of dogs outdoors during overnight hours. The legislation limits the amount of time a dog may be tethered in its owner's yard, outlines the weather conditions during which canines may be tethered outside, and limits the type of restraints that may be used. Some of the violators would be charged with first-degree misdemeanors. Council member Mike Stinziano is a co-sponsor of the measure. He says tethering leads to more nuisance calls and other problems.
Council also approved a 15-year, 100 percent property tax abatement worth more than 18 million dollars for the Pizzuti Companies, which plans to build a warehouse near Rickenbacker Airport. Stinziano says the deal is for a longer time and amount than normal because the firm reached an agreement with the Columbus Schools.
Community activist Joe Motil says this is another case of the city helping a profitable company whose owner is also a municipal campaign contributor.
The project is expected to create 80 jobs.
