Is It Illegal to Leave Your Pet Chained Outside in Massachusetts? Here’s What the Law Says

Is It Illegal to Leave Your Pet Chained Outside in Massachusetts Here's What the Law Says

Yes, it is illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Massachusetts for extended periods or under certain conditions. The state has implemented strict laws regarding the tethering of dogs to protect their welfare and safety.

Key Points of Massachusetts Dog Tethering Law

Time Restrictions:

  • Dogs cannot be tethered for more than 5 hours in a 24-hour period.
  • Tethering is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for supervised periods not exceeding 15 minutes.

Weather Conditions:

  • Tethering is not allowed during severe weather conditions.
  • When weather advisories or warnings are issued, or when outdoor conditions pose a risk to the dog’s health or safety, tethering is limited to no more than 15 minutes.

Tethering Requirements:

  • The tether must be designed for dogs and allow the dog to access clean water, dry shelter, and bedding.
  • The tether weight must not exceed 1/8 of the dog’s body weight.
  • Choke collars and pinch collars are prohibited for tethering.

Age Restrictions:

  • Dogs under 6 months old cannot be tethered outside for any length of time.

Penalties for Violations

Penalties for violating these laws can include:

  • Written warnings
  • Fines
  • Impoundment of the dog
  • Potential loss of dog ownership

Alternative Confinement Methods

The law allows for alternative methods of outdoor confinement, including:

  1. Secure enclosures of at least 100 square feet
  2. Fully fenced or electronically fenced yards
  3. Trolley systems or cable runs with specific requirements

Exceptions

There are exceptions to these rules for:

  • Dogs used in agricultural work
  • Dogs present in camping or recreational areas
  • Temporary tethering for specific tasks

This law, which has been in effect since 2016, represents a significant improvement from the previous 24-hour tethering limit. It demonstrates Massachusetts’ commitment to animal welfare and the recognition of the potential harm caused by prolonged tethering.

Sources:

  1. https://www.rehobothma.gov/animal-control/news/tethering-your-dog-%E2%80%94-new-state-legislation-imposes-new-requirements
  2. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section174E
  3. https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
  4. https://www.mspca.org/animal_protection/tetheringchaining-of-dogs/
  5. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-animals