an Exposed, monotonous existence
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Why they're used
Tethering, in this context, means tying a dog with a “rope, line, or chain to a stationary object.”
Within reason (temporarily and with attention paid to one’s pet’s comfort), tethering is useful: the dog is guaranteed to stay put. However, many owners tether their dogs excessively, perhaps because they don’t own a fence, don’t want the dog to be inside, or simply because of cultural norms.
Most people who excessively tether their dogs are unaware of the harm it can cause to their dogs, which is detailed below.
Within reason (temporarily and with attention paid to one’s pet’s comfort), tethering is useful: the dog is guaranteed to stay put. However, many owners tether their dogs excessively, perhaps because they don’t own a fence, don’t want the dog to be inside, or simply because of cultural norms.
Most people who excessively tether their dogs are unaware of the harm it can cause to their dogs, which is detailed below.
Problems
Problems
“Dogs are naturally social beings who need interaction with humans and/or other animals. Intensive confinement or long-term restraint can severely damage their physical and psychological well-being. An otherwise friendly and docile dog, when kept continuously chained or intensively confined in any way, becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious and often aggressive.
“It is common for continuously tethered dogs to endure physical ailments as a result of being continuously tethered. Their necks can become raw and sore and their collars can painfully grow into their skin. They are vulnerable to insect bites and parasites and are at high risk of entanglement, strangulation and harassment or attacks by other dogs or people.
“Tethered dogs may also suffer from irregular feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care and extreme temperatures. During snow storms, these dogs often have no access to shelter. During periods of extreme heat, they may not receive adequate water or protection from the sun. Owners who chain their dogs are less likely to clean the area of confinement, causing the dogs to eat and sleep in an area contaminated with urine and feces. What's more, because their often neurotic behavior makes them difficult to approach, chained dogs are rarely given even minimal affection. Tethered dogs may become "part of the scenery" and can be easily ignored by their owners.”
(https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/chaining-and-tethering-dogs-faq)
Most states (27 out of 50) have zero laws concerning tethering (be they regarding duration, length of tether, type of tether, and/or weather restrictions). This means that most states would allow a dog to be permanently tethered to a stationary object for an indefinite amount of time, regardless of tether type/length, weather, and without access to shelter.
Caveat: even if there are no tethering laws in place in a particular state, “general anti-cruelty laws could still penalize the tethering if the dog suffers neglect or cruelty under state law,” and “many cities and counties have implemented their own laws that restrict or regulate tethering or chaining.” However, they often will not.
(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
“It is common for continuously tethered dogs to endure physical ailments as a result of being continuously tethered. Their necks can become raw and sore and their collars can painfully grow into their skin. They are vulnerable to insect bites and parasites and are at high risk of entanglement, strangulation and harassment or attacks by other dogs or people.
“Tethered dogs may also suffer from irregular feedings, overturned water bowls, inadequate veterinary care and extreme temperatures. During snow storms, these dogs often have no access to shelter. During periods of extreme heat, they may not receive adequate water or protection from the sun. Owners who chain their dogs are less likely to clean the area of confinement, causing the dogs to eat and sleep in an area contaminated with urine and feces. What's more, because their often neurotic behavior makes them difficult to approach, chained dogs are rarely given even minimal affection. Tethered dogs may become "part of the scenery" and can be easily ignored by their owners.”
(https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/chaining-and-tethering-dogs-faq)
Most states (27 out of 50) have zero laws concerning tethering (be they regarding duration, length of tether, type of tether, and/or weather restrictions). This means that most states would allow a dog to be permanently tethered to a stationary object for an indefinite amount of time, regardless of tether type/length, weather, and without access to shelter.
Caveat: even if there are no tethering laws in place in a particular state, “general anti-cruelty laws could still penalize the tethering if the dog suffers neglect or cruelty under state law,” and “many cities and counties have implemented their own laws that restrict or regulate tethering or chaining.” However, they often will not.
(https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws)
Counter-arguments (and counters to them)
1) Dog is violent and not safe to stay inside, and doesn’t get along with others.
- counter: There are alternatives, such as a secure fenced area (with adequate space) or a designated space indoors. Perpetual tethering outside will lead to physical/psychological problems for the dog, and behavior will only worsen.
2) Dog prefers to be outside.
- counter: Dogs are social animals, and become withdrawn, lonely, anxious, and frustrated when left alone on a tether for long periods of time.
3) Dog is a serial escapee and this is the only way to guarantee confinement.
- counter: This is often due to boredom and excess energy. More walks, play with toys, or even tethers on pulley systems (LINK) will assuage this problem. One could also use secure fencing to prevent habitual escape and sidestep tethering. Additionally, spaying/neutering can often help serial escapee behavior.
4) Dog needs exercise and housing, and this provides a proper substitute.
- counter: Tethers do offer limited movement, but dogs require more varied exercise and better mental stimulation to be close to fulfilled. This is not a proper substitute. A simple doghouse / outdoor structure will likely not be enough to protect the dog from extreme weather conditions such as cold, heat, rain, or snow. Besides that, tethered dogs are often vulnerable to various dangers, including entanglement, attacks by other animals, or theft. Obviously, they have limited ability to flee or defend themselves.
- counter: There are alternatives, such as a secure fenced area (with adequate space) or a designated space indoors. Perpetual tethering outside will lead to physical/psychological problems for the dog, and behavior will only worsen.
2) Dog prefers to be outside.
- counter: Dogs are social animals, and become withdrawn, lonely, anxious, and frustrated when left alone on a tether for long periods of time.
3) Dog is a serial escapee and this is the only way to guarantee confinement.
- counter: This is often due to boredom and excess energy. More walks, play with toys, or even tethers on pulley systems (LINK) will assuage this problem. One could also use secure fencing to prevent habitual escape and sidestep tethering. Additionally, spaying/neutering can often help serial escapee behavior.
4) Dog needs exercise and housing, and this provides a proper substitute.
- counter: Tethers do offer limited movement, but dogs require more varied exercise and better mental stimulation to be close to fulfilled. This is not a proper substitute. A simple doghouse / outdoor structure will likely not be enough to protect the dog from extreme weather conditions such as cold, heat, rain, or snow. Besides that, tethered dogs are often vulnerable to various dangers, including entanglement, attacks by other animals, or theft. Obviously, they have limited ability to flee or defend themselves.
Legislation examples
23 out of 50 states have dog tethering laws.
Areas bolded below are indicated by EZAR to be preferable, and have been included in our state law templates.
Much of the information below was sourced from Michigan State's Animal Legal & Historical center, here.
In California, a dog may only be temporarily tethered, “no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task.” There are also laws about the quality of the leash/rope/chain, and the dog having access to adequate shelter/food/water while tethered.
Connecticut and Delaware have laws specifically about tethering during extreme weather events, and about types/lengths of tethers.
D.C., Illinois, Indiana, and Maine have laws about tether type and avoiding “cruel chaining” (tethering that causes the animal to choke, doesn’t permit it to reach food, water, shade, or dry ground, and does not permit the animal to escape harm).
Hawaii has a law about types of tethers.
In Louisiana, “It shall be unlawful to tie, tether, or restrain any animal in a manner that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare,” and also during extreme weather.
Maryland states that “A person may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the movement of the dog” and specifies rules for collars.
Massachusetts is a bit more strict: it limits the amount of time a dog can be tethered, and bans tethering at night for longer than 15 minutes. It also addresses types of tethers that can be used, and trolley systems (AKA dog runners). Additionaly, it takes into account extreme weather, inhumane chaining/tethering.
Michigan’s law only addresses length of tether and collar on its end.
Nevada specifies type of tether, collar, and time allowed (14 hours per day is maximum).
New Jersey labels it “cruel” if one tethers a nursing female, a puppy, at night, in “an unoccupied building or upon vacant property,” without sanitary water, or that exposes it to “adverse environmental conditions.” It also addresses collar type, chain/tether type and length, and anything that risks “entanglement, strangulation, drowning, or other harm to the health or safety to the dog.”
North Carolina’s law illegalizes “A person who maliciously (intentionally and with malice or bad motive) restrains a dog using a chain or wire grossly in excess of the size necessary to restrain the dog safely.”
Oregon’s “Unlawful Tethering” law addresses tether length, collar type, and duration (no more than 10 per 24 hours, or 15 per 24 hours if tether is attached to a running line).
Pennsylvania has time limits (no more than 9 per 24 hours) and addresses type of tether and collar, as well as weather and access to potable water.
In Rhode Island, one violates the law if one keeps a dog on a permanent tether in a small area, has the dog wear the incorrect type of collar, or keeps it tethered for too long. It also limits time tethered during the night (no more than 15 minutes). Additionally, it illegalizes keeping a dog tethered in weather that is beyond that specified in the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale (TACC).
In Tennessee, it is simply an “Offense to knowingly tie, tether, or restrain a dog in a manner that results in the dog suffering bodily injury.”
Texas specifies available shelter, water, and shade for tethered dogs, and specifies types/length of tether.
Vermont’s law is open to interpretation; it claims that “A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if he or she ties, tethers, or restrains an animal, either a pet or livestock, in a manner that is inhumane or is detrimental to its welfare.”
Virginia requires that a tethered dog have at least 15 feet in length of tether, and has rules about the type of tether. It also addresses “Primary enclosures,” which are part of the EZ Animal Rights template law.
Washington has rules about tether type, not tethering ill/pregnant/young dogs, and conditions where the dog is tethered.
West Virginia’s law simply states that “It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly chain or tether an animal” (open to interpretation).
Of course, all of the above states specify punishments for violations, ranging from warnings, misdemeanors, fines, and/or imprisonment. In Hawaii if the offense involved ten or more pet animals a violation is classified as a class C felony (punishable by up to 5 years in prison and no more than $10,000 in fines).
The 27 states not listed above have no state laws pertaining to tethering/chaining dogs (though cities and counties within them might).
Much of the information below was sourced from Michigan State's Animal Legal & Historical center, here.
In California, a dog may only be temporarily tethered, “no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task.” There are also laws about the quality of the leash/rope/chain, and the dog having access to adequate shelter/food/water while tethered.
Connecticut and Delaware have laws specifically about tethering during extreme weather events, and about types/lengths of tethers.
D.C., Illinois, Indiana, and Maine have laws about tether type and avoiding “cruel chaining” (tethering that causes the animal to choke, doesn’t permit it to reach food, water, shade, or dry ground, and does not permit the animal to escape harm).
Hawaii has a law about types of tethers.
In Louisiana, “It shall be unlawful to tie, tether, or restrain any animal in a manner that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare,” and also during extreme weather.
Maryland states that “A person may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint that unreasonably limits the movement of the dog” and specifies rules for collars.
Massachusetts is a bit more strict: it limits the amount of time a dog can be tethered, and bans tethering at night for longer than 15 minutes. It also addresses types of tethers that can be used, and trolley systems (AKA dog runners). Additionaly, it takes into account extreme weather, inhumane chaining/tethering.
Michigan’s law only addresses length of tether and collar on its end.
Nevada specifies type of tether, collar, and time allowed (14 hours per day is maximum).
New Jersey labels it “cruel” if one tethers a nursing female, a puppy, at night, in “an unoccupied building or upon vacant property,” without sanitary water, or that exposes it to “adverse environmental conditions.” It also addresses collar type, chain/tether type and length, and anything that risks “entanglement, strangulation, drowning, or other harm to the health or safety to the dog.”
North Carolina’s law illegalizes “A person who maliciously (intentionally and with malice or bad motive) restrains a dog using a chain or wire grossly in excess of the size necessary to restrain the dog safely.”
Oregon’s “Unlawful Tethering” law addresses tether length, collar type, and duration (no more than 10 per 24 hours, or 15 per 24 hours if tether is attached to a running line).
Pennsylvania has time limits (no more than 9 per 24 hours) and addresses type of tether and collar, as well as weather and access to potable water.
In Rhode Island, one violates the law if one keeps a dog on a permanent tether in a small area, has the dog wear the incorrect type of collar, or keeps it tethered for too long. It also limits time tethered during the night (no more than 15 minutes). Additionally, it illegalizes keeping a dog tethered in weather that is beyond that specified in the Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale (TACC).
In Tennessee, it is simply an “Offense to knowingly tie, tether, or restrain a dog in a manner that results in the dog suffering bodily injury.”
Texas specifies available shelter, water, and shade for tethered dogs, and specifies types/length of tether.
Vermont’s law is open to interpretation; it claims that “A person commits the crime of cruelty to animals if he or she ties, tethers, or restrains an animal, either a pet or livestock, in a manner that is inhumane or is detrimental to its welfare.”
Virginia requires that a tethered dog have at least 15 feet in length of tether, and has rules about the type of tether. It also addresses “Primary enclosures,” which are part of the EZ Animal Rights template law.
Washington has rules about tether type, not tethering ill/pregnant/young dogs, and conditions where the dog is tethered.
West Virginia’s law simply states that “It is unlawful for any person to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly cruelly chain or tether an animal” (open to interpretation).
Of course, all of the above states specify punishments for violations, ranging from warnings, misdemeanors, fines, and/or imprisonment. In Hawaii if the offense involved ten or more pet animals a violation is classified as a class C felony (punishable by up to 5 years in prison and no more than $10,000 in fines).
The 27 states not listed above have no state laws pertaining to tethering/chaining dogs (though cities and counties within them might).
State law template
Caveat: each state has different laws and different requirements for passing laws. These are the bare bones, which we will reform for each individual state, as we push for these laws to be implemented in each one.
(a) For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following definitions:
(1) “Animal control” means the municipal or county animal control agency or any other entity responsible for enforcing animal-related laws.
(2) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, organization, trade or professional association, firm, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, estate, or any other legal entity, and any officer, member, shareholder, director, employee, agent, or representative thereof.
(3) “Reasonable period” means a period of time not to exceed three hours in a 24-hour period, or a time that is otherwise approved by animal control.
(b) No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person may do any of the following in accordance with Section XXX of the Penal Code:
(1) Attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system. A dog shall not be tethered to the running line, pulley, or trolley system by means of a choke collar or pinch collar.
(2) Tether, fasten, chain, tie, or otherwise restrain a dog pursuant to the requirements of a camping or recreational area.
(3) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period (no longer than one hour during the day, and 30 minutes during the night, and for no time at all in extreme weather (as defined by Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale (TACC).).
(4) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by the State of tethering law writeup if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit a person from restraining a dog while participating in activities or using accommodations that are reasonably associated with the licensed activity.
(5) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while actively engaged in any of the following:
(A) Conduct that is directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock.
(B) Conduct that is directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.
(d) A person who violates this chapter is guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor.
(1) An infraction under this chapter is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250) as to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs.
(2) A misdemeanor under this chapter is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) as to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs, or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or both.
(3) Notwithstanding subdivision (d), animal control may issue a correction warning to a person who violates this chapter, requiring the owner to correct the violation, in lieu of an infraction or misdemeanor, unless the violation endangers the health or safety of the animal, the animal has been wounded as a result of the violation, or a correction warning has previously been issued to the individual.
(e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
(f) Each owner shall provide for each of his companion animals adequate space in the primary enclosure (meaning the designated outdoor area where a dog is housed, including any fencing and shelter provided) for the particular type of animal depending upon its age, size, species, and weight
(1) The dog must have room to move, stretch, and exercise comfortably.
(2) The primary enclosure must include a weatherproof shelter that protects from extreme weather conditions, and must be insulated
(3) The dog must have adequate feed, water, shelter that is cleaned, veterinary care, and exercise (as defined by the American Kennel Club)
(4) Owners of dogs housed in primary enclosures shall be required to obtain a valid license for each dog as per local regulations.
(5) Authorized representatives from animal control or other relevant agencies may conduct routine inspections of primary enclosures to ensure compliance with this law.
(a) For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following definitions:
(1) “Animal control” means the municipal or county animal control agency or any other entity responsible for enforcing animal-related laws.
(2) “Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, organization, trade or professional association, firm, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, estate, or any other legal entity, and any officer, member, shareholder, director, employee, agent, or representative thereof.
(3) “Reasonable period” means a period of time not to exceed three hours in a 24-hour period, or a time that is otherwise approved by animal control.
(b) No person shall tether, fasten, chain, tie, or restrain a dog, or cause a dog to be tethered, fastened, chained, tied, or restrained, to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object.
(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), a person may do any of the following in accordance with Section XXX of the Penal Code:
(1) Attach a dog to a running line, pulley, or trolley system. A dog shall not be tethered to the running line, pulley, or trolley system by means of a choke collar or pinch collar.
(2) Tether, fasten, chain, tie, or otherwise restrain a dog pursuant to the requirements of a camping or recreational area.
(3) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period (no longer than one hour during the day, and 30 minutes during the night, and for no time at all in extreme weather (as defined by Tufts Animal Care and Condition Weather Safety Scale (TACC).).
(4) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while engaged in, or actively training for, an activity that is conducted pursuant to a valid license issued by the State of tethering law writeup if the activity for which the license is issued is associated with the use or presence of a dog. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prohibit a person from restraining a dog while participating in activities or using accommodations that are reasonably associated with the licensed activity.
(5) Tether, fasten, chain, or tie a dog while actively engaged in any of the following:
(A) Conduct that is directly related to the business of shepherding or herding cattle or livestock.
(B) Conduct that is directly related to the business of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraint is reasonably necessary for the safety of the dog.
(d) A person who violates this chapter is guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor.
(1) An infraction under this chapter is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250) as to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs.
(2) A misdemeanor under this chapter is punishable upon conviction by a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) as to each dog with respect to which a violation occurs, or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or both.
(3) Notwithstanding subdivision (d), animal control may issue a correction warning to a person who violates this chapter, requiring the owner to correct the violation, in lieu of an infraction or misdemeanor, unless the violation endangers the health or safety of the animal, the animal has been wounded as a result of the violation, or a correction warning has previously been issued to the individual.
(e) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a person from walking a dog with a hand-held leash.
(f) Each owner shall provide for each of his companion animals adequate space in the primary enclosure (meaning the designated outdoor area where a dog is housed, including any fencing and shelter provided) for the particular type of animal depending upon its age, size, species, and weight
(1) The dog must have room to move, stretch, and exercise comfortably.
(2) The primary enclosure must include a weatherproof shelter that protects from extreme weather conditions, and must be insulated
(3) The dog must have adequate feed, water, shelter that is cleaned, veterinary care, and exercise (as defined by the American Kennel Club)
(4) Owners of dogs housed in primary enclosures shall be required to obtain a valid license for each dog as per local regulations.
(5) Authorized representatives from animal control or other relevant agencies may conduct routine inspections of primary enclosures to ensure compliance with this law.
Further goals for dogs after this is accomplished
- greater support for low-income pet owners, for their pets
- greater dog breeding regulation (e.g., puppy mills)
- advocate for + prevent dogs (and other animals) being used in animal testing
- greater dog breeding regulation (e.g., puppy mills)
- advocate for + prevent dogs (and other animals) being used in animal testing