Connecticut law restricts leaving a dog chained or tethered outside under specific conditions to protect animal welfare. While it is not outright illegal to tether a dog outdoors, there are important limitations every pet owner must follow.
Key Legal Requirements and Restrictions
Weather-Related Restrictions:
It is illegal to tether or chain a dog outdoors for more than 15 minutes when:
- The National Weather Service issues a weather advisory or warning (such as for extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, or hail).
- Outdoor environmental conditions pose an adverse risk to the dog’s health or safety, considering the dog’s breed, size, age, coat thickness, or physical condition.
Adequate Shelter Requirement:
- During such weather conditions, dogs must have access to adequate shelter if left outside for more than 15 minutes, unless the owner is present with the dog and exposed to the same conditions.
General Tethering Rules:
- Tethering a dog in a way that places it at risk of injury (e.g., by another animal) or without continuous access to sanitary, unfrozen drinking water is also prohibited.
- Tethering or confining a dog for an “unreasonable period of time” is not allowed.
Penalties for Violations
- First offense: $100 fine
- Second offense: $200 fine
- Third or subsequent offenses: $250–$500 fine
Exceptions
- Temporary tethering may be allowed for brief periods during certain events (like dog shows, hunting, or grooming), or if the owner is present and supervising.
Summary Table
| Situation | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tethering during hazardous weather (15+ min) | Illegal | Unless owner is present and exposed to same conditions |
| Tethering without adequate shelter (15+ min) | Illegal | Applies during adverse weather or risk conditions |
| Tethering for unreasonable periods | Illegal | At any time |
| Tethering with risk of injury, no water, etc. | Illegal | At any time |
Leaving your pet chained outside in Connecticut is illegal during hazardous weather or adverse conditions for more than 15 minutes unless you are present and exposed to the same environment.
Adequate shelter and continuous access to water are required, and unreasonable or unsafe tethering is prohibited at all times. Violations can result in escalating fines.
Sources:
- https://woodburyct.org/index.asp?SEC=D0880F65-03E1-485F-B414-1A9FED9263C4&DE=93EF5F15-D43B-4EA2-A625-AB8AF67BDBE2
- https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-22/chapter-435/section-22-350a/
- https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ct-update-bill-concerning-tethering-sheltering-dogs-given-favorable-report/
- https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/fc/pdf/2022HB-05170-R000178-FC.PDF