Orange County's consideration of measures that would limit dog tethering to three hours in a 24-hour period, require certain equipment for tethering and set minimum sizes for outdoor pens drew nearly 30 people to a public meeting last week, reported the Raleigh News & Observer Tuesday.

Supporters of the rules argue that tethering of dogs can be abusive and causes them to have aggressive behavior. Opponents maintain that animals can be abused even if kept in a kennel or house. At least four North Carolina jurisdictions have adopted anti-tethering restrictions.

Barbara Sherman, a clinical associate professor at the N.C. State University College of Veterinary Medicine, said tethering is often associated with abuse. But she also agreed the method of animal confinement is not the only factor.

"You can abuse those same dogs by putting them in a tiny pen," she said to the News & Observer. "We really need to examine the welfare of each dog."