In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to leave your pet chained outside for extended periods or in extreme weather conditions. The state has specific laws and regulations regarding the tethering of dogs, which aim to protect animal welfare and ensure humane treatment.
Libre’s Law
Pennsylvania’s animal cruelty statute, known as Libre’s Law, was signed by Governor Tom Wolf in August 2017 and includes provisions for tethering dogs outdoors:
- Dogs cannot be tethered outside for more than 30 minutes when temperatures are below 32°F or above 90°F.
- Tethers must be at least three times the length of the dog (measured from nose to tail base) or 10 feet, whichever is longer.
- The tether must be of a type commonly used for the dog’s size and breed.
Additional Tethering Regulations
Pennsylvania law further specifies:
- Dogs cannot be tethered for more than 9 hours within a 24-hour period.
- Tethers must allow the dog convenient access to adequate shelter, food, and water.
- Choke, pinch, or prong collars are prohibited for tethering.
Weather-Related Restrictions
The law is particularly stringent regarding extreme weather conditions:
- It’s illegal to leave a dog outside unattended during hazardous weather advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
- Tethering is prohibited when outdoor conditions pose a serious risk to the dog’s health and safety3.
Enforcement and Penalties
Violations of these tethering laws are considered neglect under Pennsylvania law, and legal action may be taken against offenders. Penalties can include fines and potential criminal charges for animal cruelty.
Local Ordinances
Some municipalities in Pennsylvania have enacted stricter ordinances. For example, Pittsburgh has its own tethering law that further restricts the practice.
While it’s not entirely illegal to tether a dog outside in Pennsylvania, there are strict regulations on how and when it can be done. Pet owners must ensure they comply with state law and local ordinances to avoid legal consequences and, more importantly, to ensure the well-being of their animals.
The best practice is to keep pets indoors or in secure, comfortable outdoor enclosures, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Sources
- https://www.twp.ferguson.pa.us/police-department/news/pa-law-makes-it-illegal-leave-dogs-outside-freezing-weather
- https://www.law.upenn.edu/live/files/11612-ellison-tethering-legal
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ellwoodcity/latest/ellwoodcity_pa/0-0-0-2759
- https://pet-nanny.net/pet-tethering-rules-change-pennsylvania/
