Yes, it is generally illegal to leave your pet chained outside in New York for extended periods, with specific regulations varying by locality. Here’s what New York law says about tethering pets outdoors:
State-wide Regulations
New York State law requires that any person who owns or has custody of a dog left outdoors must provide it with shelter appropriate to its breed, physical condition, and climate.
While this doesn’t explicitly prohibit tethering, it sets a baseline for animal welfare.
Local Tethering Laws
Many localities in New York have enacted more specific tethering laws:
Suffolk County
Suffolk County has strict regulations on tethering dogs outdoors:
- No tethering for more than one continuous hour in any 12-hour period between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
- No tethering at all between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- Tethering is prohibited for dogs under six months old, sick or injured dogs, and nursing mothers.
- Tethering is not allowed when temperatures are below 32°F or above 90°F, or during extreme weather advisories.
New York City
New York City’s tethering law states:
- No tethering for longer than three continuous hours in any 12-hour period.
- Tethering devices must have swivels at both ends and be of adequate length for the animal’s size.
- Choke collars, pinch collars, and weighted chains are prohibited for tethering.
Essex County
Essex County prohibits tethering a dog to a fixed point for more than four continuous hours or eight cumulative hours in a 24-hour period while the owner is present.
Penalties
Violations of these laws can result in fines and potential loss of animal custody. For example:
- In Suffolk County, first-time offenders may face fines of $50-$100, with subsequent offenses incurring higher fines.
- New York City imposes fines up to $250 for first offenses and up to $500 for subsequent offenses within a 12-month period.
Considerations
While specific regulations vary, the overall intent of these laws is to ensure the humane treatment of animals. Pet owners should provide adequate shelter, food, water, and limit outdoor tethering to short periods when necessary.
It’s crucial to be aware of and comply with your local tethering laws to avoid legal issues and ensure your pet’s well-being.
Source:
- https://suffolkspca.org/suffolk-county-ny-tethering-code-including-separate-codes-for-riverhead-huntington-islip-townships/
- https://ecode360.com/15740177
- https://wrrv.com/pet-laws-outside-winter/
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-