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

In New York, laws restricting the outdoor chaining of pets vary by jurisdiction but generally prohibit prolonged tethering under inhumane conditions. Here’s a breakdown of key regulations:

Statewide Requirements

1. Shelter Mandate:
   Under N.Y. Agriculture and Markets Law § 353-B, dogs left outdoors must have shelter appropriate for their breed, physical condition, and the climate. Violators face fines of $50–$100 for first offenses and $100–$250 for subsequent offenses.
2. Weather Protections:
   Dogs cannot be tethered during extreme temperatures (below 32°F or above 90°F) or when weather advisories are active. Owners must provide shade, water, and dry ground.
3. 2025 Legislative Update:
   Assembly Bill A00165 proposes stricter rules, banning tethering during dangerous weather alerts and imposing fines up to $3,000 per dog for repeat violations.

Local Restrictions

New York City

• Time Limits: Tethering outdoors is prohibited for more than 3 consecutive hours within a 12-hour period. Nighttime tethering (7 PM–6 AM) is banned entirely.
• Equipment Bans: Choke collars, chains over ¼-inch thick, or tethers that allow movement beyond the owner’s property are illegal.
• Penalties: First offenses may result in warnings; subsequent violations carry fines up to $500 and misdemeanor charges.

Suffolk County

Daytime: Dogs cannot be tethered for more than 1 continuous hour between 6 AM–11 PM.
Nighttime: Tethering is banned from 11 PM–6 AM.
Weather: Prohibited during extreme heat, cold, or weather advisories.

Ulster County

Time Limits: No tethering for more than 5 consecutive hours or 10 total hours in 24 hours. Nighttime tethering (10 PM–6 AM) is banned.

Prohibited Practices

• Using chains over ⅛ of the dog’s body weight or choke collars.
• Tethering puppies under 6 months, sick/injured dogs, or nursing mothers.
• Exposing dogs to animal waste, harassment, or dangerous conditions (e.g., near pools or fences).

Penalties

First Offense: Typically warnings or fines ($50–$250).
Repeat Offenses: Fines escalate to $1,000–$3,000 per dog, potential jail time, and loss of custody.
Shelter Noncompliance: Owners failing to fix shelter deficiencies within 72 hours face daily fines.

Exceptions

• Supervised tethering under 15 minutes in public.
• Law enforcement or working dogs.

Recent Developments

• The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act (effective December 2024) bans pet stores from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits, shifting focus to adoptions.
• Advocates continue pushing for statewide tethering reforms, citing risks like aggression, injury, and neglect.

In summary, while New York lacks a uniform tethering ban, most jurisdictions restrict prolonged or unsafe chaining. Owners must prioritize humane shelter and adhere to local time/weather rules to avoid penalties.

Sources

1. https://www.speciesunite.com/chained-dogs-petition
2. https://theticker.org/15634/news/nyc-ban-on-selling-pets-in-retail-goes-into-effect/
3. https://www.fomapets.org/blog/is-it-illegal-to-chain-your-dog-outside/
4. https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-new-york-city-new-york/
5. [https://ecode360.com/15740177