Missouri has considered statewide legislation to address the issue of leaving dogs chained or tethered outside. According to House Bill No. 2450, it would be a class B misdemeanor to unlawfully tether or chain a dog under certain conditions. The bill outlines several key restrictions:
- Supervision: It is illegal to keep a dog tethered or chained while unsupervised by a competent individual physically present on the property with the dog.
- Basic Needs: The dog must have shelter from extreme elements, adequate food, and access to unfrozen potable water while tethered or chained.
- Safety: Tethering in unsafe, unsanitary, or obstructed areas that could cause entanglement or injury is prohibited.
- Time Limits: Tethering or chaining a dog for more than 30 minutes at a time, totaling over three hours in a 24-hour period, is not allowed.
- Equipment: The tether or chain must be proportionate to the dog’s size, at least 15 feet in length, and attached by a properly fitting harness or collar.
If these conditions are violated, the offense is considered a class B misdemeanor. However, there are exceptions for temporary restraint in camping or recreational areas, and the law does not apply to certain working or service dogs.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Some Cities
Several Missouri cities have enacted their own, often stricter, tethering laws:
- Springfield: Dogs cannot be chained, tied, or otherwise tethered to a stationary object as a means of confinement. Exceptions allow tethering only for short, necessary tasks or for up to 30 minutes for bathroom breaks. The tether must be non-choke, at least three times the dog’s body length, and the dog must have adequate shelter and water.
- Joplin: Similar to Springfield, Joplin prohibits chaining or tethering dogs except for brief periods (not exceeding 30 minutes) or when necessary for temporary tasks. The tether must be safe, proportional, and not pose a risk of entanglement or strangulation.
- St. Joseph: Dogs cannot be tethered between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., or when temperatures are below 32°F or above 85°F. Tethered dogs must have food, water, shelter, and supervision, and tethering cannot be the primary method of confinement.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Animal welfare organizations and veterinarians consider continuous tethering or chaining to be inhumane, as it can cause physical harm, behavioral issues, and increase the risk of injury or neglect. Many local ordinances reflect these concerns by requiring supervision, limiting the duration, and mandating proper equipment and shelter.
Bottom Line
- State Law: As of now, Missouri is considering statewide restrictions on chaining or tethering dogs, with specific requirements for supervision, shelter, and time limits.
- Local Laws: Many Missouri cities, including Springfield, Joplin, and St. Joseph, have already made it illegal or highly restricted to leave a dog chained outside for extended periods or without proper care.
- Best Practice: Always check your local ordinances, as city and county rules may be stricter than state law.
Leaving your pet chained outside in Missouri can be illegal, especially if you fail to provide supervision, shelter, and basic needs, or if you exceed local time limits. Violations can result in criminal charges and fines.
Sources:
- https://documents.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills241/hlrbillspdf/5068H.01I.pdf
- https://mymix923.com/could-chaining-up-your-dog-become-illegal-in-missouri/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/springfield-missouri/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tethering-joplin-missouri/