Louisiana has specific laws addressing the tethering and treatment of pets outdoors. While chaining or tethering a dog is not outright banned statewide, there are important restrictions and conditions that pet owners must follow to avoid legal trouble.
Statewide Laws on Tethering and Chaining Pets
- General Rule: It is illegal in Louisiana to tie, tether, or restrain any animal in a manner that is inhumane, cruel, or detrimental to its welfare. This means that if the way you chain your pet causes them unjustifiable pain, suffering, or risk of death, you could face fines or animal cruelty charges.
- Collar and Tether Requirements: The law defines what constitutes a proper collar and restraint. For example, a collar must be properly fitted (the circumference of the dog’s neck plus at least one inch), and certain types of collars (like choke or prong collars) are not allowed for tethering.
- Penalties: Violating these laws can result in fines up to $300.
Extreme Weather and Emergency Conditions
- Extreme Weather: It is specifically prohibited to leave a dog or cat tied or tethered in a way that exposes them to extreme weather conditions, especially during designated emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, or when a freeze advisory is issued by the National Weather Service.
- Animal Cruelty: Leaving a pet outside in dangerous cold or heat, especially when a freeze advisory is in effect, can lead to your pet being seized and you being charged with felony animal cruelty.
Local Ordinances and City-Specific Rules
- Local Variations: Some cities and parishes in Louisiana have stricter rules. For example, in Baker, dogs may not be tethered unattended for more than one hour. In Baton Rouge, tethers must be long enough for the dog to access shelter, food, and water, and heavy chains or cruel tethering methods can result in cruelty charges.
- Continuous Tethering: Many local ordinances discourage or restrict continuous tethering as a primary form of restraint, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and adequate shelter.
Summary Table
| Situation | Is It Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tethering in a humane, safe manner | Yes, with restrictions | Must not be cruel or detrimental to animal’s welfare |
| Tethering during extreme weather | No | Illegal during freeze advisories or emergencies |
| Continuous/chronic tethering (some cities) | Often restricted or illegal | Local ordinances may limit duration or method |
| Tethering with improper collar or heavy chain | No | Must use proper, fitted collar; no heavy/prong collars |
| Causing pain, suffering, or neglect | No | Can be charged as animal cruelty |
It is illegal in Louisiana to leave your pet chained outside in a way that is cruel, unsafe, or exposes them to extreme weather. Always check local ordinances for additional restrictions, and ensure your pet has proper shelter, food, water, and humane treatment at all times.
Sources:
- https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=86015
- https://k945.com/what-does-louisiana-law-say-about-leaving-pets-outside-in-cold-temps/
- https://www.brla.gov/151/About-the-Animal-Control-Rescue-Center
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/louisiana/baker-louisiana/