In New Hampshire, it is not explicitly illegal to leave your pet chained outside, but there are specific regulations and guidelines that pet owners must follow to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals.
Tethering Regulations
New Hampshire law does not prohibit tethering dogs outside, but it does impose certain requirements:
- The tether must be of sufficient length to allow the dog to easily stand, sit, lie down, and turn around.
- The tether must be attached to a properly fitted, non-choking collar or harness.
- The tether must be adequately sized and weighted for the dog’s size, allowing movement while preventing the dog from breaking free.
- The tether must be at least 3 times the length of the dog, measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail.
Shelter Requirements
When tethering a dog outside, New Hampshire law mandates that the owner provide adequate shelter:
- The shelter must protect the dog from direct sunlight and provide adequate air circulation.
- It must allow the dog to remain clean and dry.
- The shelter must be structurally sound and have enough space for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down.
- It should be proportionate in size to allow the dog to retain its natural body heat during cold weather.
Weather Considerations
While there is no statewide law prohibiting leaving dogs outside in extreme weather, some municipalities have stricter regulations:
- In some areas, it may be illegal to leave a dog outside for more than 15 minutes during severe weather warnings or when temperatures are below freezing or above 90°F.
- Owners must ensure that dogs have access to shelter that protects them from potential weather-related injuries.
Penalties
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties:
- First-time offenders may be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Subsequent offenses can be classified as a class B felony.
It’s important to note that while tethering is not outright banned, animal welfare advocates and some lawmakers have proposed stricter regulations. For example, a bill was introduced that would make it illegal to leave a dog outside for more than 30 minutes without meeting specific shelter requirements.
In conclusion, while it’s not entirely illegal to leave your pet chained outside in New Hampshire, owners must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their pet’s safety and comfort. It’s always best to provide a secure, fenced area or supervised outdoor time for your dog whenever possible.
Source
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.animallaw.info/statute/nh-cruelty-cruelty-animals
- https://casetext.com/regulation/new-hampshire-administrative-code/title-agr-commissioner-department-of-agriculture-markets-and-food/chapter-agr-1700-transfer-of-animals-and-birds/part-agr-1704-operating-standards-relative-to-commercial-kennels-and-other-premises-licensed-to-house-harbor-or-display-animals-in-new-hampshire/section-agr-170404-primary-enclosures