Tennessee law does not impose a blanket statewide ban on chaining or tethering dogs outside, but it does set important restrictions to protect animal welfare.
Under Tennessee Code § 39-14-202, it is considered animal cruelty-a Class A misdemeanor-to intentionally or knowingly fail to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal, or to restrain a dog in a way that results in bodily injury (including cuts, bruises, burns, or physical pain). A second or subsequent conviction can be considered a felony.
Specific Restrictions on Tethering and Chaining
A 2023 bill further clarified what constitutes adequate shelter for dogs living outside, emphasizing the need for protection from harsh conditions.
In addition, a bill introduced in 2022 (H.B.2860) proposed making it illegal to leave dogs chained outside during severe weather events, such as floods or tornado warnings, or during mandatory evacuation orders. Violating this would be a class-C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a month in jail and a $50 fine.
Local Ordinances and City-Specific Rules
Many Tennessee cities have their own, often stricter, tethering laws:
- Chattanooga: It is unlawful to tie or tether a dog to a stationary object for more than a reasonable period or in a way that creates an unhealthy or dangerous situation. Tethering is not allowed between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and there are requirements for the type and weight of the tether, as well as access to food, water, and shelter.
- Red Bank: Dogs cannot be tethered to a stationary object for longer than 30 minutes without supervision or in a way that creates an unhealthy or dangerous situation. There are additional rules about the type of tether, supervision, and environmental hazards.
- Crossville: Tethering is only allowed using a spiral tie-out stake or a permanently affixed anchor that allows 360-degree movement. Tethered dogs must have access to food, water, and shelter, and cannot be left outside during severe weather alerts without access to a dwelling.
Severe Weather and Emergency Conditions
Statewide, and in many localities, it is illegal to leave dogs chained or tethered outside during severe weather-such as extreme heat, freezing temperatures, thunderstorms, floods, or tornado warnings-unless adequate shelter and protection are provided. During National Weather Service severe weather alerts, animals must have access to enter a dwelling.
Penalties
Violating Tennessee’s animal cruelty or tethering laws can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.
While it is not strictly illegal statewide to leave your pet chained outside in Tennessee, there are significant restrictions designed to protect animals from harm, especially during severe weather or if the tethering results in injury or neglect.
Many cities have stricter local ordinances, and statewide laws prohibit chaining that leads to bodily injury or fails to provide basic necessities. Always check both state and local laws to ensure compliance and the safety of your pet.
Sources:
- https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/gallatinnews/laws-protect-dogs-on-chains-against-harsh-conditions/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tennessee/chattanooga-tennessee/
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/tennessee/
- https://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/112/Bill/HB2034.pdf