Several state laws and regulations address the issue of tethering companion animals, specifically dogs. Many other animal cruelty statutes likely would be interpreted to prohibit tethering where it is detrimental to the animal, though the statute may not specifically use the term "tethering." For the full text of these laws and regulations, please contact the AVMA State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Department.
Currently, there are 20 states that place specific restrictions on tethering animals.
California law prohibits a person from tethering, fastening, chaining, tying, or restraining a dog to a dog house, tree fence, or other stationary object, with some exceptions.
Delaware, the District of Columbia, Michigan, and Virginia place restrictions on the type and length of tether that may be used.
Indiana's animal cruelty laws define neglect to include instances where an animal is kept on a tether that is too small or too heavy. Similarly, Tennessee law establishes as an element of cruelty to animals, the offense of knowingly tying, tethering or restraining a dog in a manner that results in the dog suffering bodily injury.
Maine and Vermont both prohibit tethering when it is inhumane or detrimental to the animal's welfare, and specify appropriate conditions for tethering. West Virginia law prohibits cruelly chaining or tethering a dog.
Maryland law prohibits the use of any restraint that (1) unreasonably limits the movement of a dog, (2) restricts its access to food and water, (3) has a primarily metal collar, (4) has a collar that is less than the circumference of the dog's neck plus one inch, (5) causes injury to the dog, or (6) places the dog in unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
Both Missouri and Pennsylvania have tethering laws that apply specifically to animal care facilities and kennels that specify the types and length of tethers that may be used.
Texas law prohibits an owner from keeping a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that (1) unreasonably limits the dog's movement between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., (2) is within 500 feet of the premises of a school, or (3) where extreme weather conditions are present. The law also provides requirements as to the appropriate type of collar and tether length.
Nevada adopted a bill in 2009 that prohibits a person from restraining a dog using a tether, chain, tie, trolley or pulley system or other device that: (1) is less than 12 feet in length; (2) fails to allow the dog to move at least 12 feet or, if the device is a pulley system, fails to allow the dog to move a total of 12 feet; or (3) allows the dog to reach a fence or other object that may cause the dog to become injured or die by strangulation after jumping the fence or object or otherwise becoming entangled in the fence or object. The law further prohibits a person from using a prong, pinch or choke collar or similar restraint and prohibits tethering a dog for more than 14 hours during a 24 hour period.
Hawaii also adopted a law in 2009 that defines cruelty to animals to include tethering, fastening, tying, or restraining a dog to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object by means of a choke collar, pinch collar, or prong collar. The law does allow a person to use such restraints when walking a dog with a hand-held leash or while a dog is engaged in a supervised activity.
A new Connecticut law adopted in 2010 prohibits tethering a dog to a stationary object or to a mobile device, including, but not limited to, a trolley or pulley by means of a: (1) Tether that does not allow such dog to walk at least eight feet, (2) tether that does not have swivels on both ends to prevent twisting and tangling, (3) coat hanger, choke collar, prong-type collar, head halter or any other collar, halter or device that is not specifically designed or properly fitted for the restraint of such dog, (4) tether that has weights attached or that contains metal chain links more than one-quarter of an inch thick, or (5) tether that allows such dog to reach an object, including, but not limited to, a window sill, edge of a pool, fence, porch or terrace railing that poses a substantial risk of injury or strangulation to such dog if such dog jumps over such object, unless the owner or keeper of such dog is on the premises. The law does make certain exceptions including an exception for veterinarians while performing veterinary procedures.
Florida and Arizona statutes both address tethering as it pertains to pregnant sows and Oregon law prohibits the confinement of a pregnant pig by tether or other means for a 12 hour or more period of time where such confinement prohibits the animal from turning around freely and lying down to fully extend its limbs.
In the 2010 legislative session, Louisiana adopted a law that creates the crime of unlawful restraint of a dog. It provides that it shall be unlawful to tie, tether, or restrain any animal in a manner that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare. The law provides exceptions including restraint in accordance with accepted veterinary practices.
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