Yes, Hawaii law restricts how and when you can tether (chain) your dog outside. While it is not absolutely illegal in all circumstances, there are strict regulations, and violating them can result in civil penalties or even criminal charges.
Key Points of Hawaii’s Dog Tethering Law
Cruelty to Animals in the Second Degree: Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §711-1109, it is a criminal offense to intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
- Tether, chain, or restrain a dog in a way that endangers its health, safety, or well-being.
- Prevent the dog from obtaining necessary sustenance (food, water, shelter) through the manner of tethering.
- Tether or restrain a dog under six months old unless the dog is supervised by its owner or agent.
Tethering Equipment Requirements:
- The tether must be designed for dogs (no logging chains or makeshift devices).
- The chain or tether cannot weigh more than 1/8 of the dog’s body weight.
- The length of the tether must allow the dog to move freely: at least 2.5 times the dog’s length if attached to a stationary point, or 1.5 times the dog’s length if attached to a pivot point allowing 360° movement.
Time and Weather Restrictions:
- Dogs cannot be tethered outside and unattended during hazardous weather conditions or when such conditions pose a serious risk to their health and safety.
- Dogs under six months old cannot be tethered outside at all unless directly supervised.
Property and Containment:
- The tether must not allow the dog to leave the owner’s property.
- Tethering must not be used as a substitute for proper fencing or containment.
Penalties:
- Violations can result in civil penalties (fines) and, in severe cases, criminal charges for animal cruelty.
Summary Table: Hawaii Dog Tethering Rules
| Situation | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tethering that endangers dog’s health | No | Considered animal cruelty |
| Tethering under 6 months old, unsupervised | No | Prohibited |
| Tethering with improper equipment | No | Must use dog-specific tethers, proper weight/length |
| Tethering in hazardous weather | No | Prohibited |
| Tethering that restricts access to needs | No | Dog must have access to food, water, shelter |
| Tethering with proper equipment, supervised | Yes* | Must meet all legal requirements and not endanger the animal |
*Only if all conditions of the law are met.
Bottom Line
It is illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Hawaii if:
- The tethering endangers the animal’s health or safety,
- The dog is under six months old and unsupervised,
- The equipment is unsafe or improper,
- The weather is hazardous,
- Or the dog cannot access food, water, or shelter.
Always ensure you follow Hawaii’s detailed tethering laws to avoid penalties and, most importantly, to protect your pet’s well-being.
Sources:
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
- https://www.hawaiianhumane.org/2025-advocacy-initiatives/
- https://www.animallaw.info/content/map-state-dog-tethering-laws