Is It Illegal to Leave Your Pet Chained Outside in Maryland? Here's What the Law Says

Maryland law restricts how and when you can leave your dog chained or tethered outside. It is not outright illegal to chain a dog outside, but there are strict regulations designed to protect the animal’s welfare:

You may not leave a dog outside and unattended by use of a restraint (chain, rope, tether, etc.) if:
- The restraint unreasonably limits the dog’s movement.
- The collar is made primarily of metal or is not properly fitted (must be at least as large as the dog’s neck plus one inch).
- The dog does not have access to suitable and sufficient clean water or appropriate shelter.
- The conditions are unsafe or unsanitary.
- The restraint causes injury to the dog.
Extreme Weather: Dogs cannot be left outside for more than 30 minutes without access to suitable shelter during extreme weather, such as temperatures below 32°F or during National Weather Service warnings.
Penalties: Violating these laws is a misdemeanor. Offenders can face up to 90 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Repeated or aggravated violations can lead to higher civil penalties and even imprisonment.

Local County and City Laws

Many Maryland counties and cities have stricter rules:

Montgomery County: Prohibits tethering dogs outside between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Dogs must be brought indoors or placed in an enclosed area with appropriate shelter during these hours. Fines range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the severity.
Anne Arundel County: Except for one 15-minute period per day, a dog cannot be tethered outside unless a person (at least 13 years old) is outside, on the same property, and has a direct line of sight to the dog. Tethering is completely banned when the temperature is 32°F or lower or 90°F or higher.
Queen Anne’s County: Tethering is only allowed if the dog is within visual range and the responsible person is outside with the dog. Violations can result in impoundment and fines up to $1,000.

Key Takeaways

It is illegal to leave your dog chained outside in Maryland if you do not meet the state’s requirements for shelter, collar type, and safety.
Many counties and cities have even stricter rules, including outright bans on unsupervised tethering and additional weather restrictions.
Violations can result in criminal charges, fines, and even jail time.

Always check both state and local laws before leaving your pet chained outside in Maryland to ensure full compliance and protect your animal’s welfare.

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