Important News for Dog Owners – The Unlawful Restraint of a Dog Law will be changing on January 18, 2022.
It does NOT make tethering dogs illegal as many have assumed, but it DOES make some improvements to how they must be treated when tied outside, and it DOES make using an actual chain illegal.
The new version clarifies certain things, such as you cannot leave a dog outside, restrained, and unattended UNLESS it has:
1. Access to adequate shelter, which the law defines as a sturdy structure that provides protection from inclement weather, and is large enough for the dog to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down in a normal position.(Inclement weather includes rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, extreme low or high temperatures. Note that *just* a doghouse will not prevent a freezing death, nor does a dog house offer any cooling in high temperatures.)
2. An area which allows the dog to avoid standing water and excessive animal waste.
3. Shade from direct sunlight.
4. Potable water.
The new law doesn’t change that a collar or harness must be used, and be made of nylon, leather, or similar material, and they should be properly fitted to the dog’s measurements, as well as not choke the dog, or impede it’s normal breathing and swallowing. (No choke, prong, or pinch collars if tied up.)
The requirement of no less than 10 feet long, or five times the length of the dog from nose to base of tail, whichever is greater, remains the same as well, UNLESS you use a zipline or overhead trolley system that allows the dog to move those required measurements.
However, the not being allowed to tether a dog within 500 feet of a school, or between 10 PM and 6 AM was removed.You must use a tether (such as rope, or the plastic covered wire tethers).
You cannot have weights attached (tires, masonry bricks, etc), but the tether can be attached to a stationary object (tree, pole, etc).
This law also states that the “owner” is the person who owns, has custody or control of the dog.
There are exceptions for working and farm dogs while engaged in hunting, training, or other work, or farming activities that require the dog to be temporarily restrained. Campground requirements are also excluded.
The first violation is a Class C misdemeanor, but following violations are Class B misdemeanors. The fine can go up to $500. Each improperly tethered dog is considered a separate violation.If you keep your dog tied outside, you have a little over two months to prepare for this change in requirements.
If your dog has a history of breaking normal tethers, plan ahead to build a fence, a dog run, or buy an outdoor kennel to keep it secured in. If there is no shade in your yard, you’re going to have to figure something out to provide shade.If you tether your dog just for potty breaks, you’ll either have to provide those required items, or start standing outside with them so that they’re not unattended.
