Tethering: What Does The Law Say? | Dogalize
Tethering is where an animal is fastened by a chain to a central anchor point, causing it to be confined to a specific area. It can be a very controversial topic among different sectors within society, but what does USA law say about it?
Laws vary from state to state. Some laws allow a dog to be tethered for a reasonable period of time. California prohibits tethering a dog to a stationary object, but allows a dog to be tethered “no longer than is necessary for the person to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained for a reasonable period.” Connecticut makes it illegal for a dog to be confined or tethered for an unreasonable period of time. What constitutes an “unreasonable period” is not defined. However, Texas law states that a reasonable period is one that does not exceed three hours in a 24-hour period, and is “no longer than is necessary for the owner to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be restrained.”
If the law is evidently unclear, we can still rely on good sense to make our dogs feel as comfortable as possible when they need to be tethered. Here are some good advice to follow:
– Provide a secure yard or suitably sized enclosure with access to appropriate shelter, clean water, food and a suitable sleeping area.
– All dogs should be trained to be tethered before being left alone on a tether. – To avoid dogs becoming distressed, frustrated or bored, the length of time the dog is tethered should always be minimised.
– Tethered animals require supervision because of the risk of injury or entanglement.
– Swivel tethers on fixed runners are recommended, as well as a leather collar.
– The tether should be at least three meters long.
Remember that tethering should only be a short-term or temporary solution and that dogs must never be tethered in conditions where they are vulnerable to extreme heat, severe cold, driving rain or predators.
Federica Lauda
Source: RSPCA
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