Minnesota does not have a statewide law that outright bans chaining or tethering pets outdoors. However, general animal cruelty and neglect statutes apply if the tethering endangers the animal’s health or safety, or fails to provide adequate shelter, food, or water.
In practice, this means that while it is not categorically illegal to leave a pet chained outside, doing so in a way that causes harm or neglect can result in criminal charges under anti-cruelty laws.
Local Ordinances: Stricter Rules in Cities
Many Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, have specific ordinances that regulate or restrict outdoor tethering:
Minneapolis:
- Tethers must be at least three times the length of the animal.
- The animal must have access to shelter and water and be unable to become tangled.
- Tethers must not allow the animal to reach public sidewalks, streets, or neighboring property.
- Tethers must not exceed five pounds and must be appropriate for the animal’s size.
- Animals cannot be tethered without on-site supervision.
- Tethering by the leg is prohibited.
St. Paul:
- Chains, tethers, or tie-outs must be at least three times the length of the animal and not exceed ten pounds.
- Animals cannot be secured to a stationary object for more than two consecutive hours, with a required two-hour break between sessions and a maximum of four two-hour periods in 24 hours.
- Animals must have access to shelter and water and not be able to reach public areas or neighboring property without permission.
General Best Practices and Legal Risks
- Adequate Shelter and Care: Regardless of local law, Minnesota’s anti-cruelty statutes require that all animals kept outdoors must be provided with proper shelter, food, and water. Tethering that causes injury, exposes the animal to extreme weather, or denies basic needs can be prosecuted as cruelty or neglect.
- Weather Considerations: While Minnesota does not have a specific statewide law about tethering in extreme weather, leaving a pet chained outside in dangerous conditions could be considered neglect or cruelty under general statutes.
Summary Table: Tethering Laws in Minnesota
| Area | Is Tethering Legal? | Key Restrictions/Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Yes (with conditions) | Must not cause harm, neglect, or violate anti-cruelty laws |
| Minneapolis | Yes (strictly regulated) | Supervision required, minimum tether length, shelter, etc. |
| St. Paul | Yes (strictly regulated) | Max 2 hours at a time, shelter, minimum tether length, etc. |
It is not universally illegal to leave your pet chained outside in Minnesota, but you must comply with local ordinances and state anti-cruelty laws. In Minneapolis, St. Paul, and many other cities, strict rules govern how, when, and for how long you can tether a pet.
Regardless of location, tethering that results in harm, neglect, or exposure to dangerous conditions can lead to legal consequences. Always check your city or county’s specific regulations before tethering a pet outdoors.
Sources:
- https://www.sgs.com/en/news/2025/03/safeguards-04925-minnesota-usa-intends-ban-on-toxic-chemicals-in-packaging
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/ordinances/minneapolis-minnesota/
- https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-tether-laws
- https://www.animallaw.info/statute/mn-dog-consolidated-dog-laws