Colorado law does not have a statewide ban on chaining or tethering dogs outdoors, but it does criminalize animal cruelty under C.R.S. § 18-9-202. This statute makes it illegal to knowingly, recklessly, or negligently mistreat, neglect, or torment an animal.
If leaving a pet chained outside results in suffering, injury, exposure to dangerous weather, or neglect, it can be prosecuted as animal cruelty-a serious offense that can carry fines, jail time, and restrictions on future pet ownership.
Statewide Tethering Limits
While there is no uniform state law specifically banning tethering, Colorado law generally prohibits tethering an animal for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
Exceeding this limit may be considered neglect or cruelty, especially if the animal is left without adequate shelter, food, water, or is exposed to hazardous conditions.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Some Cities
Many Colorado cities and counties have their own, often stricter, tethering laws. For example, in Pueblo, it is illegal to tether an animal for more than four hours in a 24-hour period, or for more than 30 minutes when temperatures are 90°F or above, 40°F or below, or during persistent rain, sleet, hail, snow, or other dangerous conditions.
Tethering in a way that risks injury, entanglement, or hanging is also prohibited. Violations are treated as animal cruelty and are punishable as a Class 1 municipal offense.
What Constitutes Illegal Tethering or Chaining?
- Exceeding time limits (over 12 hours statewide, or stricter local limits)
- Exposing pets to extreme weather (heat, cold, storms, etc.)
- Failing to provide adequate shelter, food, or water
- Tethering in a manner that endangers the animal (risk of entanglement, injury, or hanging)
- Using excessively heavy or inappropriate tethers
Reporting and Enforcement
If you suspect a pet is being illegally chained or neglected, you can report it to local animal control or law enforcement. Authorities will assess if the situation violates state cruelty laws or local tethering ordinances.
Summary Table: Colorado Pet Tethering Laws
| Jurisdiction | Max Tethering Time | Weather Restrictions | Other Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 12 hours/24 hours | Cruelty/neglect laws apply | Must provide shelter, food, water; no neglect |
| Pueblo | 4 hours/24 hours | 30 min. if <40°F or >90°F, or during storms | No dangerous tethers or risk of injury |
| Other cities | Varies | Varies | Check local ordinances |
It is illegal in Colorado to leave your pet chained outside in a way that causes suffering, neglect, or exposes them to dangerous conditions. State law limits tethering to 12 hours in a 24-hour period, and many cities have stricter rules, especially regarding weather and total time.
Always check your local ordinances for specific requirements, and ensure pets have proper shelter, food, water, and are not put at risk while tethered.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/colorado/pueblo-colorado/
- https://www.mastersonhall.com/criminal-defense-cruelty-to-animals-crs-18-9-202/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/ColoradoSprings/comments/1gbcgdd/tethering_dog/