BRUNSWICK COUNTY -- Brunswick County commissioners are moving forward with a new ordinance that impacts animal owners. The board voted this week to enforce restrictions on how dogs are tethered. Under the new guidelines, animals younger than 6 months old cannot be tethered.

Owners are also required to make sure the dog can move 10 feet from the anchor point and a swivel must be in place to prevent entanglement.

The sheriff’s office said the ordinance is a move in the right direction and will allow officers to better protect dogs by having clear rules they can enforce.

However, some animal rights activists do not feel like enough is being done.

“Well the tethering ordinance itself basically says it’s OK to tether a dog starting at six months for its entire life. And that happens a lot around here. It's not good for the dog. They are exposed to predators; they are out there when in heat. They get tangled, they get choked,” said Kim Sherwood.

The new rules do not impact hunting or sporting dogs.