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

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

Colorado’s laws regarding tethering or chaining dogs outside are somewhat complex, with different rules applying to pet owners and regulated facilities. Here’s an overview of the current legal situation:

General Pet Owners

For general pet owners in Colorado, there is no statewide law that explicitly prohibits leaving a dog chained outside. However, some important considerations apply:

  1. Local ordinances may have stricter rules. For example, in Parker, Colorado, the total tethering time must not exceed eight hours per 24-hour period.
  2. While not illegal, extended tethering is generally discouraged due to potential risks to the dog’s well-being and safety.

Regulated Facilities

For facilities regulated under the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA), such as boarding kennels and groomers, more stringent rules apply:

  1. The use of dog houses with chains (tethering) as an enclosure is generally prohibited.
  2. Tethering is only allowed in specific circumstances, such as during grooming or while cleaning enclosures.
  3. When tethering is permitted, it must be done safely:
    • The tether must be attached with a well-fitted, non-tightening collar or loop with a swivel.
    • It must prevent entanglement with other animals or objects.
    • Constant supervision is required for dogs tethered on elevated surfaces.

Exceptions and Special Cases

  1. Facilities breeding or training Alaskan dog breeds for sled pulling may request a waiver from the tethering prohibition, subject to specific conditions.
  2. Even with a waiver, female dogs in whelp or with puppies may not be tethered.

Weather Considerations

While not explicitly stated in Colorado law, it’s important to note that leaving a dog tethered outside during extreme weather conditions could potentially be considered animal cruelty or neglect.

Enforcement and Public Safety

Current state laws in Colorado do not specifically address public safety concerns related to chained dog attacks or dogs breaking free from chains. This has led to some advocacy for stricter regulations.

In conclusion, while it’s not explicitly illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Colorado, pet owners should be aware of the potential risks and local ordinances that may apply. The practice is generally discouraged by animal welfare organizations, and regulated facilities face much stricter rules regarding tethering.

Sources:

  1. https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
  2. https://www.reddit.com/r/ColoradoSprings/comments/1gbcgdd/tethering_dog/
  3. https://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/dr-coates/2016/february/chaining-dogs-it-ever-justified-33494
  4. https://casetext.com/regulation/colorado-administrative-code/department-1200-department-of-agriculture/division-1202-inspection-and-consumer-services-division/rule-8-ccr-1202-15-rules-pertaining-to-the-administration-and-enforcement-of-the-pet-animal-care-and-facilities-act/part-18-special-requirements
  5. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/colorado/parker-colorado/