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

Maine is recognized for having some of the strongest animal protection laws in the United States, including specific regulations about tethering (chaining) dogs outdoors. While it is not outright illegal to tether a dog outside, Maine law sets detailed requirements to ensure the animal’s welfare and prevent cruelty.

Maine’s Tethering and Chaining Laws: The Essentials

Tethering Is Legal, But Regulated: You can legally leave your dog tethered or chained outside in Maine, but only if you follow strict rules designed to protect the animal’s health and well-being.
Prohibited Cruelty and Neglect: It is illegal to tether, confine, or restrain a dog in a way that causes pain, injury, or endangers the animal’s health or safety. Owners must provide proper shelter, protection from the weather, and clean conditions; failing to do so can result in animal cruelty charges.
Tethering Standards: Maine law requires:
- The chain or tether must be at least five times the length of the dog (measured from nose to tail base), except for arctic breeds, which require 2.5 times the length.
- The tether must be attached to a well-fitted collar or harness and must not impede the dog’s ability to eat, drink, or vocalize.
- Swivels or similar devices must be used to prevent the tether from becoming tangled.
- The tether must not weigh more than one-eighth of the dog’s body weight.
- Dogs under six months old may not be tethered outside for any length of time.
- The dog must remain on the owner’s property and have access to food, water, and adequate shelter at all times.
Weather and Time Limits: While Maine allows 24/7 tethering, additional requirements apply for dogs left outside for more than 12 hours per day. Tethering during hazardous weather, or in a way that exposes the animal to dangerous conditions, is considered neglect or cruelty and is illegal.

Penalties for Violations

Civil and Criminal Penalties: Violating Maine’s tethering laws can result in civil fines or criminal charges for animal cruelty, depending on the severity of the offense. Penalties can include fines, jail time, and even loss of animal ownership rights in severe cases.

What to Do If You See a Dog Chained Improperly

Document the situation with photos and notes.
Report your concerns to your local Animal Control Officer, providing the address and details of the violation.

Summary Table: Maine Dog Tethering Law

Requirement	Legal Standard in Maine
Tethering allowed?	Yes, with strict welfare requirements
Minimum tether length	5x dog’s length (2.5x for arctic breeds)
Collar/harness fit	Must not impede eating, drinking, or vocalizing
Swivels required	Yes, to prevent tangling
Tether weight	Max 1/8 of dog’s body weight
Dogs under 6 months	Cannot be tethered outside
Shelter, food, water required	Yes, at all times
Weather protection	Must not expose to hazardous conditions
Penalties	Civil fines, criminal charges, possible jail

It is not illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Maine, but it is illegal to do so in a way that endangers their health, safety, or comfort. Maine’s laws require humane treatment, proper shelter, and strict tethering standards. Violations can result in significant penalties, including criminal animal cruelty charges.

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