As a result of lobbying by PETA, the Hampton City Council is considering placing restrictions on tethering or chaining animals outside. The proposed ordinance includes that tethering an animal is illegal when the guardian is not present, when the animal is left overnight, if the guardian does not have a permit, or if the only person with the animal is under 16. Guardians who violate the restrictions could face misdemeanor charges.

In 2011, Hampton Animal Control received 7,135 calls and collected 1,515 dogs due to neglect or welfare violations. However, only 15% of all calls to animal control resulted in reprimands for the guardian of the animal. An online survey of 1,100 residents showed that 60% supported a ban on tethering animals.

The proposed ordinance requires a $25 permit to be obtained in order to leave animals chained outside. Obtaining a permit would involve a house inspection by Animal Control to make sure that necessary living conditions were met. No dogs would be allowed to be tethered outside overnight regardless of the permit obtained.